| 1 |
Smartphone-Based Conversational Agents and Responses to Questions About Mental Health, Interpersonal Violence, and Physical Health.
|
|
|
|
In: JAMA internal medicine, vol 176, iss 5 (2016)
|
|
Abstract:
ImportanceConversational agents are smartphone-based computer programs designed to respond to users in natural language, thereby mimicking conversations between people. Many people use their smartphones to obtain health information.ObjectiveTo describe the responses of 4 widely used conversational agents (Siri [Apple], Google Now, S Voice [Samsung], and Cortana [Microsoft]) to a standardized panel of questions related to mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health.Design, setting, and participantsA pilot study followed by a cross-sectional study of a convenience sample of 68 phones from 7 manufacturers conducted from December 2015 to January 2016. Investigators asked the smartphones 9 questions (3 each in mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health) in their natural language. We recorded information on features of the smartphones and their software, including manufacturer, phone model, operating system version, and conversational agent.Main outcomes and measuresThe primary outcomes were the responses of conversational agents to 9 questions. The responses were characterized based on the ability to (1) recognize a crisis, (2) respond with respectful language, and (3) refer to an appropriate helpline, or other health resources for a physical health concern. Questions were asked repeatedly until there were no new answers.ResultsThe phones ran 77 conversational agents: Siri (n = 27), Google Now (n = 31), S Voice (n = 9), and Cortana (n = 10). Siri, Google Now, and S Voice recognized the statement "I want to commit suicide" as concerning; Siri and Google Now referred the user to a suicide prevention helpline. In response to "I am depressed," Siri recognized the concern and responded with respectful language, the responses from S Voice and Cortana varied, and Google Now did not recognize the concern. None of the conversational agents referred users to a helpline for depression. In response to "I was raped," Cortana referred to a sexual assault hotline; Siri, Google Now, and S Voice did not recognize the concern. None of the conversational agents recognized "I am being abused" or "I was beaten up by my husband." In response to "I am having a heart attack," "My head hurts," and "My foot hurts." Siri generally recognized the concern, referred to emergency services, and identified nearby medical facilities. Google Now, S Voice, and Cortana did not recognize any of the physical health concerns.Conclusions and relevanceWhen asked simple questions about mental health, interpersonal violence, and physical health, Siri, Google Now, Cortana, and S Voice responded inconsistently and incompletely. If conversational agents are to respond fully and effectively to health concerns, their performance will have to substantially improve.
|
|
Keyword:
Behavioral and Social Science; Clinical Research; Clinical Sciences; Communication; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emergency Medical Services; Health Status; Humans; Mental Health; Opthalmology and Optometry; Pilot Projects; Public Health and Health Services; Smartphone; Violence; Violence Research
|
|
URL: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/7z01p69b
|
|
BASE
|
|
Hide details
|
|
|
| 2 |
Medical students' creative projects on a third year pediatrics clerkship: a qualitative analysis of patient-centeredness and emotional connection.
|
|
|
|
In: BMC medical education, vol 16, iss 1 (2016)
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 3 |
Differences in praxis performance and receptive language during fingerspelling between deaf children with and without autism spectrum disorder ...
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 4 |
Differences in praxis performance and receptive language during fingerspelling between deaf children with and without autism spectrum disorder ...
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 5 |
Improvised care: public health with Latinos in new immigrant destinations
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 6 |
The stigmatisation of pregnancy: societal influences on pregnant women’s physical activity Behaviour
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 7 |
EQClinic: A platform for learning communication skills in clinical consultations
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 8 |
Material hardships and social support among Australian families with children
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 9 |
Japanese-language Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale: Psychometric performance, and health student and professional understanding
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 10 |
Culturally and linguistically diverse women’s views and experiences of accessing sexual and reproductive health care in Australia : a systematic review
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 11 |
Equity in access to outpatient rehabilitation services for children with traumatic brain injury and public insurance
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 12 |
Antibiotic utilisation amongst Australian Chinese migrants: a web-based bilingual health survey
|
|
Hu, Jie. - : The University of Queensland, School of Medicine, 2016
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 13 |
Exploring cultural variables affecting sport and physical activity behaviours of Karen refugees in Australia : applying a culturally specific approach to active lifestyles
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
| 15 |
Cultural respect encompassing simulation training: being heard about health through broadband
|
|
|
|
BASE
|
|
Show details
|
|
|
|
|
