Smart-bot Technology: Conversational Agents Role in Maternal Healthcare Support

Abstract

There is a need for a system that respond to various queries in real-time, to advice and inform expectant mothers during their pregnancy. Several smart services have been deployed, bundled with health information systems, and other digital services. While such solutions better services in the healthcare settings, they may not be available to the masses in the rural. Besides they rarely dispense this information precisely and or accurately. A new digital ecosystem, represented by chatbots seem to offer promising solution by embodying the function of a virtual healthcare expert, who is always available to provide information in the required precision. Powered by AI and machine learning algorithms, chatbots are forecasted to bring forth accuracy, precision and availability of information when used. This paper discusses the need to develop chatbots to be integrated in smart phones; intended to provide support to to-be mothers during their journey in pregnancy.