Study: Potential and pitfalls of AI-powered conversational agents
A new scoping review investigates the impact of AI-based conversational agents as human-like caregivers in the remote management of noncommunicable diseases. Conversational agents include chatbots, voicebots, and anthropomorphic digital avatars. The review resulted in four key findings:
- There was higher user acceptance and compliance with anthropomorphic and avatar-based agents for remote care.
- There is a gap in the development of personalised, empathetic and contextually aware agents and limited consideration of ethical concerns.
- There is inadequate evidence of the efficacy of conversational agents in noncommunicable disease management despite high levels of optimism among healthcare professionals.
- Conversational agents are primarily being used for supporting nonpharmacological interventions like lifestyle changes and patient education on self management.
Read the full study findings via the JMIR website here.
Attitudes to AI in healthcare
The Health Foundation has published a report exploring public and NHS staff attitudes to the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. The report is based on a survey of more than 7,000 adults and 1,000 NHS staff members. It found, on balance, there is support for the use of AI. However, there is a need for public engagement as a significant minority of the public is not currently supportive. Other key findings include:
- 1 in 6 members of the public and 1 in 10 NHS staff think AI will make care quality worse.
- More than half of the public think AI will make them feel more distant from healthcare staff.
- The public are concerned about the impact of AI on decision-making accuracy.
Read the full report via The Health Foundation website here.
Watch: Co-production Week online sessions
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has published recordings of online sessions held during Co-Production Week 2024. There are six workshop recordings covering topics including measuring the impact of co-production, inclusion of more diverse voices and new tools and resources.
Watch all the sessions via the SCIE website here.
Study: Interactions when seeking pelvic healthcare
A new study investigates the lived experiences of pelvic floor dysfunction and healthcare interactions among UK-based women with multiple sclerosis (MS). It highlights key issues including stigma and a disconnect between the feelings caused by symptoms and health information received. Researchers highlight the value of community peer support groups and the potential for gatekeepers, such as MS nurses, to provide vital information on services.
Access the full study findings via the Wiley Online Library here.
Survey: Attitudes to Digital Accessibility 2024
AbilityNet is currently hosting its fourth annual Attitudes to Digital Accessibility Survey. The survey gathers information on how attitudes to accessibility are changing in organisations of all types and sizes. The 2023 survey revealed some organisations were lagging behind when it came to accessibility leadership and procedures. The 2024 survey is open until midnight on 6 September.
Find out more and take part in the survey via the AbilityNet website here.
Social prescribing for older people
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has published a hub of resources on social prescribing for older people. The hub includes a guide to designing social prescribing initiatives with older people and examples of successful programmes. It also includes research on how social prescribing can support older people living in poverty, commissioned in partnership with PIF member Independent Age.
Access the resource hub via the NASP website here.
Engaging with the faith sector to strengthen health responses
In this article for The Lancet Global Health, the authors argue we need to understand the faith sector as a complex system which has played a key role in health emergency preparedness, response, and resilience. They say effective engagement with the sector can strengthen responses and promote collaboration.
Read the full article via The Lancet Global Health website here.
Digitally enabled care in the community
A new report by PIF member The King's Fund discusses the reality of, and potential for, digitally-enabled care in the community. It says digitally-enabled care is currently limited by low levels of investment and siloed approaches. To capitalise on future technologies there needs to be substantial improvements to digital infrastructure and use of basic technologies, plus increased capability and capacity in community settings. The report also highlights the importance of co-developing digitally-enabled services.