SRH services are undergoing a digital transformation. This study was done to explore the acceptability of three digital services, (i) video consultations via Skype, (ii) live webchats with a health advisor and (iii) artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled chatbots, as potential platforms for SRH advice.
A 33-item survey was distributed in three clinics for patients attending SRH services. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the correlates of acceptability.
257 patients completed the survey. As the first point of contact, 70% preferred face-to-face consultations, 17% telephone consultation, 10% webchats, and 3% video consultations. Most would be willing to use video consultations and webchat facilities for ongoing care, but only 40% found AI chatbots acceptable. Younger age, White ethnicity, past STI diagnosis, self-reported STI symptoms, smartphone ownership, and the preference for an SRH smartphone application were associated with video consultations, webchats or chatbots acceptability.
The study concluded that although video consultations and webchat services appear acceptable, there is currently little support for SRH chatbots. The findings demonstrate a preference for human interaction in SRH services. Policymakers and intervention developers need to ensure that digital transformation is not only cost-effective but also acceptable to users, easily accessible, and equitable to all populations using SRH services.
Reference: https://srh.bmj.com/content/46/3/210
