Enhanced Virtual Support Assistant Developed by UFRO PROGRAM for Breast Cancer Patients at Villarrica Hospital: Improved Guidance and Care This title provides a concise summary of the article’s content, highlighting the development of the virtual support

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August 27, 2025

Innovative Virtual Assistant ‘Milagro’ Launched to Support Breast Cancer Patients

Villarrica, Chile – A groundbreaking collaboration between Villarrica Hospital and the University of La Frontera (UFRO) has resulted in the advancement of “Milagro,” a personalized virtual assistant designed to enhance the complete rehabilitation process for breast cancer survivors. The initiative marks a significant step forward in patient-centered care within the Araucanía Sur Health and Villarrica Health Service.

A Network Built on Patient Needs

For the past three years, Villarrica Hospital has fostered a robust support network for women navigating breast cancer treatment and recovery. This existing infrastructure, offering critical support during rehabilitation, is now being augmented with cutting-edge technological tools tailored to address the specific needs of patients. The development of Milagro stemmed directly from insights gathered from these support groups.

Co-Creation: The Key to Success

The “Ufro with you” project, a cornerstone of the university’s community outreach programs, was developed in close collaboration with the “For me and for all” group, comprised of breast cancer survivors. This participatory approach ensured that the resulting virtual assistant would be genuinely responsive to the challenges and requirements faced by patients. According to Dr. Ana María Donoso, a mastologist at Villarrica Hospital and founder of the support group, the collaboration was instrumental in creating a truly valuable resource.

How ‘milagro’ Works

dr. Bárbara Burgos mansilla of UFRO’s Department of Rehabilitation Sciences led the project, beginning with a comprehensive needs assessment. This led to the development of specialized workshops focusing on kinesiology and nutrition, which then informed the creation of the chatbot. Miguel Toro Álvarez, coordinator of UFRO’s Innovation Laboratory, explained that Milagro provides patients with private, confidential guidelines in kinesiology, nutrition, and socio-emotional support, all overseen by healthcare professionals.

Patients Champion the New Technology

María Ester Yáñez, a member of the “For me and for all” group, shared her enthusiasm for the new tool. She highlighted the value of the exercise and nutrition workshops, as well as the potential of the virtual assistant to provide ongoing support regarding her illness, mental health, and overall well-being. “It will be like a day-to-day partner,” she stated.

Technology and Humanization: A Winning Combination

This project exemplifies a commitment to humanizing healthcare, strengthening rehabilitation services, and ultimately improving the quality of life for cancer patients. The integration of technology, combined with ongoing clinical and community support, represents a progressive model of care where patients are at the center.

Key Facts About the ‘Milagro’ Project

Feature	Description
Project Name	“Ufro with you”
Virtual Assistant Name	“Milagro” (Miracle)
Collaborating Institutions	Villarrica Hospital & University of La Frontera (UFRO)
Focus Areas	kinesiology, Nutrition, Socio-Emotional Support

Did You Know? According to the American Cancer Society, in 2024, an estimated 42,250 women will die from breast cancer in the United States.

Pro Tip: Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are crucial components of breast cancer recovery and overall health. Consult with your healthcare team to develop a personalized plan.

The Growing Role of Technology in Cancer Care

The use of technology in cancer care is rapidly expanding, offering new avenues for personalized treatment, remote monitoring, and improved patient engagement. Virtual assistants like ‘Milagro’ are just one example of how technology can empower patients and enhance the quality of their care. The global eHealth market is projected to reach USD 660.96 billion by 2030,demonstrating the significant investment and potential in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Milagro’

• What is the primary purpose of the “Milagro” virtual assistant? it’s designed to provide personalized support and guidance to breast cancer survivors during their rehabilitation process.
• How was the “Milagro” assistant developed? It was co-created with breast cancer survivors through the “For me and for all” group.
• What areas of support does “Milagro” cover? It offers guidelines on kinesiology, nutrition, and socio-emotional well-being.
• Is patient information kept private with “Milagro”? Yes, all material is private, confidential, and overseen by healthcare professionals.
• What is the “Ufro with you” project? It’s a university outreach program that connects UFRO’s expertise with community needs.

What are your thoughts on the use of virtual assistants in healthcare? Share your opinions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!

What specific data privacy safeguards are in place to protect patient information when the virtual assistant integrates with Electronic Health Records (EHR)?

Enhanced Virtual Support Assistant developed by UFRO PROGRAM for Breast Cancer Patients at Villarrica Hospital: Improved Guidance and Care

Understanding the Need for Virtual Support in Breast Cancer Care

breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly overwhelming. Patients often face a complex journey involving numerous appointments, medical jargon, emotional distress, and practical concerns. Access to consistent, reliable information and emotional support is crucial, but traditional healthcare settings frequently enough struggle to meet this demand effectively. This is were the UFRO PROGRAM’s virtual support assistant steps in, specifically designed for patients at Villarrica Hospital. the program addresses critical gaps in patient care,focusing on improved guidance and personalized support throughout the entire cancer care continuum. Key areas of need include:

Information Access: Difficulty understanding medical information and treatment options.

Emotional Support: Feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation.

Practical Assistance: Navigating appointments, managing side effects, and accessing resources.

Post-Treatment Care: Maintaining long-term health and well-being.

The UFRO PROGRAM Virtual Assistant: Features and Functionality

The virtual support assistant, developed by the UFRO PROGRAM (Universidad de la Frontera), isn’t simply a chatbot. It’s a sophisticated system leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to provide tailored support to breast cancer patients. here’s a breakdown of its core features:

Personalized Information Delivery: The assistant delivers information based on the patient’s specific diagnosis, treatment plan, and individual needs. This includes details about chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.

Symptom Management Support: Patients can report side effects and receive evidence-based recommendations for managing them. this feature aims to reduce unnecessary hospital visits and improve quality of life. Common side effects addressed include nausea, fatigue, pain, and skin changes.

Appointment Reminders & Scheduling Assistance: The system sends reminders for appointments and assists with rescheduling when needed, improving adherence to treatment plans.

Emotional Wellbeing Resources: Access to guided meditation, relaxation techniques, and links to support groups and mental health professionals. This addresses the significant psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis.

24/7 Availability: Unlike traditional support services with limited hours, the virtual assistant is available around the clock, providing immediate assistance whenever needed.

Multilingual Support: Catering to the diverse patient population at Villarrica Hospital, the assistant offers support in multiple languages.

Integration with Electronic Health Records (EHR): (with appropriate patient consent and data privacy safeguards) allows for a more personalized and informed support experience.

Implementation at Villarrica Hospital: A Collaborative approach

The successful implementation of the UFRO PROGRAM virtual assistant at Villarrica Hospital required a collaborative effort between healthcare professionals,technology developers,and patient representatives. The process involved:

1. Needs Assessment: Identifying the specific challenges and needs of breast cancer patients at the hospital.
2. System Customization: Tailoring the virtual assistant’s content and functionality to address those needs.
3. Staff Training: Equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively integrate the assistant into their workflow.
4. Patient Onboarding: Providing clear instructions and support to patients on how to use the virtual assistant.
5. Ongoing Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuously assessing the assistant’s performance and making improvements based on patient feedback and data analysis.

Benefits of the Virtual support Assistant for Breast Cancer Patients

The implementation of this virtual assistant has yielded several significant benefits:

Improved Patient Engagement: Patients feel more empowered and actively involved in their care.

*Reduced Anxiety