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Designing, Developing, Evaluating, and Implementing a Smartphone-Delivered, Rule-Based Conversational Agent
Dhakshenya Ardhithy Dhinagaran1, Laura Martinengo1, Moon-Ho Ringo Ho2
1Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
This study introduces the DISCOVER framework, a guide for creating rule-based conversational agents (CAs) on smartphones for healthcare. The framework aids in designing, developing, and implementing these health-focused CAs effectively.
Area of Science:
- Digital Health
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Health Informatics
Background:
- Conversational agents (CAs) are increasingly utilized in healthcare via smartphones.
- A lack of a guiding framework for smartphone-based, rule-based CAs in healthcare exists.
- This study addresses the need for structured guidance in developing healthcare CAs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a conceptual framework for designing, evaluating, and implementing smartphone-delivered, rule-based, goal-oriented, and text-based CAs for healthcare.
- The framework aims to standardize the development process of healthcare CAs.
Main Methods:
- Grounded theory approach (Jabareen) was used to develop the conceptual framework.
- Two literature reviews were conducted on healthcare CAs and mobile health intervention frameworks.
- The framework was synthesized and applied in developing and testing a CA for lifestyle changes.
Main Results:
- The DISCOVER framework comprises 8 iterative steps across 3 stages: design, development, and evaluation/implementation.
- User-centered design and privacy/security are cross-cutting considerations.
- The framework was successfully applied to develop a CA for lifestyle changes and type 2 diabetes prevention.
Conclusions:
- The DISCOVER framework offers a step-by-step guide for developing rule-based, smartphone-delivered CAs based on published evidence.
- Further evaluation is needed to demonstrate the framework's validity across diverse healthcare settings and user groups.
- Future research should explore CA applications in health interventions, behavior change, and address privacy/safety concerns.
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