Phiri M, Munoriyarwa A. Health chatbots in Africa literature: A scoping review.
J Med Internet Res 2022. [PMID:
35584083 DOI:
10.2196/35573]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND
This scoping review explores and summarizes existing literature on the use of chatbots to support and promote health in Africa.
OBJECTIVE
The primary aim of the literature review was to learn where, and under what circumstances, chatbots have been used effectively for health in Africa, how chatbots have been developed to best effect and how they have been evaluated. A secondary aim was to identify potential lessons and good practices for others chatbots. The review also points to directions for future research on the use of chatbots for health in Africa.
METHODS
It uses a Boolean search method to answer four questions: What does literature on chatbots in Africa tell us about the design, uses and user experience of this technology in the region's health care sector and societies? To what extend is this data inform us about policy issues, access, ethical and regulatory matters regarding chatbots in health care systems and services in Africa? Where are the innovative measurement and evaluation frameworks emerging from and in what form regarding chatbots utilization in Africa's health care? What insights does the data provide if any about emerging issues or future of the chatbot landscaping in Africa's health care sector including areas needing further research?
RESULTS
The review concludes that current data is insufficient to show whether chatbots are effectively supporting health in the region. However, it does indicate what kind of chatbot literature is currently available and where gaps are situated, as well as giving direction for future research. It provides insights into popular chatbots and the need to make them accessible through language considerations, platform choice and user trust, as well as the importance of robust evaluation frameworks to assess their impact.
CONCLUSIONS
There is need to extend research on chatbots beyond existing and somewhat limited health disciplines and functions, as well as addressing issues around ethics and inclusivity, especially of users from rural areas and vulnerable populations. There is also a clear need to expand research to new countries on the continent.
CLINICALTRIAL
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