AI-Powered Multilingual Health Information Chatbot for Accessible Learning

Ensitieto aimed to make health information more accessible to a wide range of users, including older adults and those who do not speak Finnish. Although comprehensive resources existed, navigating them was often difficult, and users struggled to find clear, concise answers to their questions. The organization also needed a solution that could bring together information from multiple sources-websites, databases, and internal documents-while ensuring transparency, reliability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards. Additionally, they sought a system that could handle many user queries efficiently, provide guidance toward further learning, and support multilingual communication. These challenges highlighted the need for a user-friendly, scalable digital tool, which led Ensitieto to engage the EDIH´s services to explore an AI-based solution.  

EDIH supported Ensitieto in creating/developing a cloud-based AI chatbot hosted on Microsoft Azure, designed to make health information clear and easy to access. The chatbot gathers information and content from multiple trusted sources and Ensitieto’s own documents, totaling more than 1,000 pages. It delivers concise answers in Finnish or English (According to the language of user's question) and includes references to the original sources for transparency (If the chatbot uses material from sources other than Ensitieto). The system manages user queries efficiently, suggests relevant learning courses, and access expanded features through paid options.  

The solution addressed Ensitieto´s digital transformation needs by combining AI-driven automation, multilingual support, and scalable cloud deployment, ensuring information is accessible for users of all ages and backgrounds. Emphasis was placed on usability, accessibility, and ethical compliance, particularly in handling sensitive or copyrighted material. The investment in AI solution-supported by public and private funding-was justified by the long-term advantages it brings providing reliable health guidance to a broad audience, reducing the manual workload for staff, and creating a flexible, scalable tool that can evolve with user needs while enhancing learning and health literacy. A trial version was successfully tested, and the system was designed to be redeployed or expanded, ensuring flexibility and sustainability beyond the project.  

The deployment of the AI chatbot has significantly improved how Ensitieto provides health information. Users can now quickly access reliable answers without navigating through multiple websites or comprehensive documents. The chatbot delivers concise responses in Finnish, and English, improving accessibility for non-Finnish speakers. Feedback indicates that its clear and simple interface is especially helpful for older users, who previously found it challenging to use traditional resources. 

From a digital perspective, Ensitieto can now automatically gather and manage content/information from multiple sources—a process that was previously manual and time-consuming. The chatbot also references its sources, reinforcing trust in the information provided. By managing query limits and guiding users to relevant learning materials, it supports a sustainable balance between free access and paid services. 

For the organization, the chatbot has reduced the workload associated with repetitive inquiries, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. Additionally, Ensitieto has strengthened its cloud capabilities through Microsoft Azure, providing a flexible and scalable digital platform. Overall, the solution has enabled the organization to deliver user-friendly, multilingual, and trustworthy health information, while promoting learning and health literacy among its audience. 

Funding and Return on Investment 

The Ensitieto chatbot was developed and deployed as a pilot with coordinated public funding. HealthHub Finland EDIH contributed through blended financing—50% from the European Commission and 30% from Business Finland. This approach reduced the financial threshold for regional stakeholders, allowing the pilot to focus on testing, validation, and user feedback without the burden of early-stage investment risks. 

By lowering upfront costs and accelerating the transition from concept to real-world deployment, the funding model created a pathway for long-term value. The pilot demonstrated potential returns such as improved access to reliable health information, more efficient service delivery, and an enhanced user experience for diverse groups, including elderly citizens. It also provides a scalable, cost-effective model for adopting AI in healthcare, particularly in resource-constrained public systems.