Thoughtful Heart 4.0

The project aims to explore the relationships between our mindset and cognitive system associated with health-promoting behaviours, potential vulnerability to postoperative delirium and early postoperative cognitive dysfunction after cardiac surgery, and the implementation of AI-based, remote, theory-of-mind-based support for patients following cardiac surgery. By combining cognitive, medical, and computer science research, we are taking a broader view of the human mind and linking cognitive research results with neuroimaging (fMRI) data analysis in cardiac surgery patients. We are also combining this with the development of a personalised, AI-based medical assistant grounded in the theory of mind, supporting the restoration of patients’ mental health after hospitalisation.

We propose an interdisciplinary project combining cognitive science, medicine, neuroscience, and computer science to explore how ingrained mental frameworks influence health-promoting behaviours and cognitive outcomes after cardiac surgery. Our focus is on identifying key relationships between mindset, cognitive functioning, and vulnerabilities to postoperative delirium and early-onset cognitive dysfunction.

The project integrates cognitive assessments with neuroimaging data to identify neural markers of postsurgical impairment. In parallel, we aim to develop an AI-based remote patient support system, delivered through a mobile application. This app will provide pre-operative guidance, gamified cognitive preparation, postoperative monitoring and support, motivational engagement, and data collection for ongoing research.

A key innovation lies in creating a system capable of natural, emotionally attuned dialogue with patients. Using specialised large language models (LLMs), the system will recognise emotions, respond with empathy, and tailor interactions based on individual needs, trust levels, and readiness for behavioural change.

The Theory of Mind (ToM) framework is central to our approach, linking cognitive-affective functions with social cognition. ToM-related competencies, captured through dialogue and neuroimaging, will help us understand how patients’ self-perception, body image, and social attitudes impact recovery. Ultimately, this integration opens new paths for personalised, AI-supported care that promotes mental health and resilience after cardiac surgery.

The project requires experience in several specialities: 1) psychology and cognitive science to conduct a study of the people operated on, 2) cardiac surgery and 3) designing and developing experimental tools, especially computerised ones and developing, testing, and performing usability research of software using agile/iterative software development methodologies (SCRUM), 4) data science to analyze collected data. Close cooperation between leaders from these fields will be essential throughout the project.

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