AI chatbot aims to provide support for women with postpartum depression: 'A tool, not a replacement'

  • 📰 FoxNews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 68 sec. here
  • 3 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 31%
  • Publisher: 87%

Technology Technology Headlines News

Technology Technology Latest News,Technology Technology Headlines

With about one in eight women experiencing postpartum depression, amid a shortage of mental health providers, researchers at the University of Texas are looking to bridge the gap with an AI chatbot.

"Together we have published two peer-reviewed research articles on its impact."AI does not have the same ability to monitor a patient’s progress accurately as a human does, an expert noted.

"In the case of our postpartum chatbot, we deployed the program in Kenya for young mothers in rural communities," he said."For the community in Kenya, this service was available both in the local language and in English."Chatbots are very effective at delivering cost-effective, self-help support, he added.

"From our work with partners in Texas, we learned it will be important for this program to be available in Spanish, and AI helps to break down language barriers to make information and services accessible to all," he also said.One limitation with the chatbot in development at the University of Texas is that it is powered by an app, Rauws noted.

"Nowadays it is a logical option, but it has several limitations," he said."From our research studies, we learned that those who most need this type of support live in rural areas. Not everyone in those areas has consistent access to an internet connection or smartphone." "AI chatbots could provide beneficial support to help women suffering from postpartum depression, but it’s important to note that it's a tool and not a replacement for treatment and therapy," an expert told Fox News Digital."Without the right integration with regular care pathways, it could affect the quality of care," he warned.

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 9. in TECHNOLOGY

Technology Technology Latest News, Technology Technology Headlines