Audio-Based Patient Survey Virtual Assistant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Patients with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, face challenges in managing their conditions due to infrequent clinical interactions, and existing computer-implemented solutions struggle with data input from patients who have difficulty using traditional text-based forms or graphical user interfaces.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented technique for performing audio-based patient surveys using a simulated virtual assistant to engage in natural language conversations, allowing patients to provide data without relying on editable text-based forms or graphical user interfaces, and using this data to assist in managing chronic health conditions through a health management platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional text-based forms or graphical user interfaces are used for data collection, then data input capability is provided, but patients with difficulty using such interfaces cannot effectively provide data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual assistant as an intermediary between the patient and the health management platform. This virtual assistant conducts audio-based interviews, translating patient responses into structured data without requiring the patient to directly interact with complex forms or interfaces. The virtual assistant acts as a mediator that adapts the interaction to the patient's capabilities while still achieving data collection goals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical interaction methods (text-based forms, graphical interfaces requiring manual input) with an audio-based conversational system. This substitution allows patients to provide data through natural speech rather than manual form filling, significantly improving ease of operation for patients with limited dexterity or difficulty with traditional interfaces.
2Ease of operation
If audio-based natural language conversations are used, then ease of data collection improves for patients, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual assistant system performs self-service by automatically conducting interviews, processing audio responses, extracting relevant information, and updating patient records without requiring manual intervention from health care providers. The system handles the complexity of audio processing and data structuring autonomously, maintaining ease of operation while managing system complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual assistant is designed as a multi-functional system that can handle various types of data collection, patient interactions, and health management tasks through a single audio-based interface. This universality allows the system to adapt to different patient needs and clinical scenarios without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity through consolidation.
3Reliability
If clinical physicians and health coaches interact frequently with patients, then patient management quality improves, but resource availability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables patients to self-report health data through audio-based conversations with the virtual assistant, eliminating the need for frequent manual data collection by clinicians. Patients can independently provide updates on their health status, medications, and symptoms, maintaining reliable data collection without requiring proportional increases in clinical resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual assistant serves as an intermediary that extends the reach of clinical physicians and health coaches. It performs preliminary data collection, triage, and monitoring functions that would otherwise require direct clinician involvement, thereby preserving patient management quality while conserving limited human resources for tasks requiring professional judgment.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is described for performing audio-based patient surveys to obtain patient data for use in a health management platform. A virtual assistant is simulated to participate in a natural language conversation with a patient. As part of the conversation, the virtual assistant generates and outputs an audible natural language message that is then presented via a speaker at a user computing device. The audible natural language message includes a prompt for the user to provide a natural language reply. Reply data indicative of a reply by the user is then received and processed to generate and/or update patient data associated with the patient. The patient data is then applied by the health management platform to assist the patient in managing a chronic health condition.