GISSA intelligent chatbot experience - How effective was the interaction between pregnant women and a chatbot during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The COVID-19 increased the importance of patient's continuous assessment of health outcomes. In 2021 WHO proposed some Digital Health guidelines arguing that health systems should consider the use of emergent technologies in health care services. This health environment is providing intelligent systems to guide patients in self-care. One example of that is the chatbot which is, a conversational agent that have been assuming an important role in how to improve health knowledge, reducing the incidence of diseases and avoiding new ones. Pregnant women are a profile where the self-care referred before is a critical issue. Prenatal services reveal to be an important part of the care process where most complications for that women happen. This article aims to comprehend how pregnant women interact with a conversational agent and how relevant this Digital Health tool is for primary health care services. The study presents the process and results of a systematic literature review about the user experience with of a chatbot in pregnant women self-care context; a summary of GISSA intelligent chatbot development including the use of technologies such as DialogFlow; and the process and results of GISSA usability evaluation in research field. Results show that a small amount of articles was gathered and the chatbot as a tool is a relevant opportunity for primary care health services in Brasil.

Playing remotely in times of crisis: A program to overcome social isolation.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the feasibility of an intergenerational remote intervention program designed to promote the wellbeing and social connection of vulnerable older adults, mainly people with aphasia and dementia during the COVID-19 pandemic in the south of Brazil. Undergraduate students were guided to lead weekly sessions of clowning, storytelling, dancing, and cooking-related activities for 3 months (from November/2020 to February/2021). METHOD: The mixed-method design of the study addresses the implementation and feasibility of the program. Data analysis considered both quantitative-number of individuals who accepted the invitation to participate, voluntary dropouts, attendance-and qualitative data-participative observation and thematic analysis of evaluative conversations. An inclusive group of 34 older adults with stroke-induced cognitive impairments, dementia and individuals without any neurological conditions enrolled in the program based on social and racial equity principles. Feasibility and acceptability were addressed in terms of recruitment, implementation, remote evaluation, delivery of remote intervention, adherence, and attendance. Activities and participants' perceptions are described. RESULTS: The initial period of the program achieved 83.7% of adherence and sustainability for additional 3 months. Preliminary results suggest feasibility and acceptability, considering formal and informal support in digital inclusion. Participatory observations describe that the structure of sessions and activities were well received. The analysis of participants' perceptions detects the thematic saliency of feelings of social connection and a sense of having learned with the group. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results of this study demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of the program, pointing to its potential mental health benefits.