Building a tactical medical chatbot for conflict and low-resource settings: A low-code platform approach

Conflict zones severely disrupt healthcare access, with millions affected by armed conflicts. The lack of standardized medical guidance exacerbates these challenges. Digital health solutions like chatbots and telemedicine offer potential to bridge gaps in care by providing real-time medical support. Low-code platforms further enable rapid development of critical tools for frontline responders. However, accuracy and reliability remain critical challenges.

The main objective of this study is to develop and preliminarily evaluate a Tactical Medical (TacMed) Chatbot, a low-code solution delivering life-saving medical protocols for frontline workers in low resource, and conflict settings deployed by Health Tech Without Borders.

This study utilized a user-centered design approach to develop and evaluate the TacMed Chatbot for frontline responders in two low resource settings. The chatbot was built using a low-code platform, with content derived from established trauma care protocols. Testing involved diverse participants, including medical professionals and civilians, and feedback was gathered through surveys, usage metrics, and technical logs to refine the system.

Over 90 days, 32,000 messages were exchanged by 503 unique users. Engagement peaked in early July, reflecting increased awareness and usage, but declined thereafter, indicating challenges in user retention. Continuous training and integration into medical workflows are needed for sustained adoption.

The TacMed Chatbot shows promise in improving trauma care access in conflict zones. Expanding its reach, integrating AI and offline functionality, and conducting further studies, including randomized controlled trials, will enhance its impact on global emergency response systems.