RSU researchers to develop an artificial intelligence application to support patients with schizophrenia in an international project

Researchers from Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) have joined the international research project DISA-LNT to develop an artificial intelligence application designed to support patients with schizophrenia.

The project aims to improve treatment adherence, introduce innovative solutions into clinical practice, and contribute to the transformation of healthcare systems across Europe. Within the project, RSU collaborates with partners from Portugal, Malta, and Poland, thereby expanding international experience and strengthening scientific cooperation.

The project will begin with an assessment phase using a range of standardised schizophrenia evaluation instruments, alongside natural language processing (NLP) methods to analyse patients’ expression and language structure. This approach enables the collection of additional structured information about a patient’s condition, complementing clinical evaluation. Based on these results, a digitally supported cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention will be developed. The project also focuses on building a digital therapeutic collaboration, where the technological solution will strengthen the connection between patient and specialist and promote patient engagement in the treatment process.

The project at RSU is led by Associate Professor Jeļena Koļesņikova, Head of the Psychology Laboratory. She emphasises: 

“An interdisciplinary team is particularly important in this project, bringing together researchers from psychiatry, psychology, and information technology to jointly develop an innovative mobile application.

The application is based on components of the therapeutic alliance, including CBT interventions, while AI solutions complement standard assessment methods, providing a deeper understanding of the patient’s condition.”

RSU contributes significantly to the development of the digital therapeutic alliance and the design of CBT intervention content. The university is also involved in clinical validation of the tool, data analysis, and dissemination of research results. The project involves specialists from the RSU Psychology Laboratory, the Department of Health Psychology and Pedagogy, and the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology. An important role is also played by the RSU Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, which serves as a clinical base and collaborates closely with psychiatry colleagues. This cooperation ensures a direct link to patient care and clinical practice, strengthening both the practical and scientific value of the project and facilitating the implementation of innovations in real-world treatment.

The project will be implemented over 30 months and will include the development of the digital application, clinical validation, and evaluation of implementation potential.

More information about the project 

The DISA-LNT project is funded by the Latvian Council of Science and implemented within the framework of the European Partnership “Transforming Health and Care Systems (THCS)”. Funding is provided under the EU research and innovation programme “Horizon Europe” (Grant Agreement No. 101095654).