Using a chatbot as a digital tool at the primary health care level

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Primary Health Care
• Occupational Health

Background:

• The integration of digital tools in primary health care is evolving.
• Chatbots offer a novel approach to health program delivery.
• Assessing the feasibility of chatbots in occupational health settings is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of using a chatbot in a primary health care program.
• To assess the impact of a chatbot intervention on employee health complaints.
• To determine the role of chatbots in monitoring health and facilitating physician communication.

Main Methods:

• A three-month health program was conducted for IT company employees.
• A general practitioner utilized a chatbot for participant monitoring and personalized recommendations.
• Participant health status was assessed using standardized scales and questionnaires before and after the program.

Main Results:

• A significant decrease in the average total score of health complaints and symptoms was observed (p=0.019).
• The average severity of chief complaints reduced by 55.3% (p=0.00676).
• Specific complaints including eye pain, fatigue, and irritability showed a reduced frequency.

Conclusions:

• Chatbots are feasible and effective digital tools for primary health care.
• The study demonstrated chatbots' potential in providing health recommendations and monitoring.
• Chatbots facilitate timely communication between patients and primary care physicians.