Today health is a big topic of discussion, and more and more people are extremely health conscious. Health in general not only refers to the physical of an individual health, but also to the mental health of an individual and overall well-being. Nowadays, lifestyle and stress are also critical factors that have short and long-term implications on the health of an individual.
Given the increased awareness and background, the number of qualified and competent healthcare professionals at various levels is still less when compared to the population. Hence, some technology advances can be used to undertake preliminary diagnosis and interactions. Further, for routine tasks like fixing appointments, answering queries related to [prescribed medication etc, healthcare chatbots can be used.
One such innovation is a healthcare chatbot.
What is a healthcare chatbot?
Computer programs that can stimulate a conversation with humans around topics of healthcare and wellness are termed healthcare chatbots. They can perform different tasks like answering queries, providing basic information, managing some medication etc.
Such healthcare chatbots are quick learners and use artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing to understand and respond to queries. They can be integrated with websites, mobile apps etc., thereby delivering ease of access.
There are many ways in which patient care and patient experience can be improved using Heathcare chatbots. Some of them are listed below. Apart from the above, operational streamlining can also happen when healthcare chatbots are used and this will unlock business value.
1. Checking for symptoms:
By requesting for symptoms and providing initial recommendations, the work of healthcare professionals in initial diagnosis can be reduced. It also ensures a custom experience for patients.
2. Information services
Heathcare chatbots can be used to provide information on health, diets, dispel misnomers, preventive healthcare etc.
3. Admin tasks
Routine admin tasks like fixing appointments, rescheduling the same, checking availability etc can be undertaken via healthcare chatbots. Similarly, automatic reminders can also be set up.
4. Medication
Information regarding medication can be shared by the chatbot to the user. Similar to appointments, reminders for taking medication can be set up. This is especially useful for caregivers since they will be juggling more than one task at a time, and they can thus ensure effective patient care.
Any information related to dosage of the medicine and potential side effects can also be shared by the bot to the user.
5. Remote monitoring and alerts
Healthcare chatbots can be programmed to undertake remote monitoring and send alerts to relevant stakeholders and healthcare providers. This will prevent complications. Similarly, any follow-up can also be initiated.
Some of the advantages of healthcare chatbots are:
- Quick responses to queries. This ensures reduced waiting time and improved patient experience.
- Availability 24 x 7x 365. Thus even in an emergency or at any other unfavorable time like inclement weather etc, queries can be raised and answers got.
- Lowers cost for both heathcare professionals and patients as routine tasks cane be taken up by healthcare chatbots.
- Continuous monitoring by chatbots ensures good data collection and trend analysis during diagnosis.
- Reminders for medication, periodic checkups etc can be sent and this ensures patients are alerted well in advance and can plan their time accordingly.
However, there are some disadvantages also associated with using heathcare chatbots. They are:
- Lack of empathy as it is an automated system.
- Sometimes, the query responses may not be very precise.
- The system may have difficulty in understanding complex medical conditions.
- High levels of training is needed for the healthcare chatbot.
- Since patient data is collected, there are lot of privacy concerns associated with the same.
About GRhombus Techonlogies
GRhombus Technologies, is among the leading EdTech companies in UK and cybersecurity companies in UAE. GRhombus Technologies is also a leading software development company in USA. Apart from these areas, GRhombus Technologies has established itself as a pioneer in Data Visualization, IoT Testing, Salesforce Development and Cloud Testing. Driven by the guidance of experts with more than 25 years of industry experience, the GRhombus Technologies family now has over 200 employees spread all over the globe. We have delivery centres in India and partner offices in Europe. For more details, contact us.