AI4PUBLICHEALTH
An AI powered personalised support tool, delivered through WhatsApp
WHAT IS AI4PH?
Building on our successful council-led collaboration using AI to improve access to Adult Social Care (ASC) information and advice, we are now supporting Public Health (PH) colleagues to address key challenges. By harnessing AI technology and co-designing services with PH experts, we are able to support key public health services and deliver interventions in new and more personal ways.
The AI-driven approach acts as a ‘1-on-1 health coach’ for people who sign up to the programme, and has the potential to assist with a variety of challenges, including smoking cessation, weight management, alcohol dependency and childhood obesity. With the AI coach fed by advice and guidance from health experts and accessible via WhatsApp 24/7, regular contact with the client offers clear advice and support to keep them on track with their goals.
Building on the foundation laid by our Aida work and service design in Medway, we are engaging with Public Health teams on this innovative approach. AI has the ability to connect with diverse audiences – including hard to reach groups – in fresh, engaging ways. AI4PH is designed to harness this potential, offering services tailored to meet a wide range of public health needs.
PERSONALISED
Our AI-powered health coach tailors its guidance to your unique needs and preferences, helping you with whatever health challenges you face
24/7 SUPPORT
Your health coach is always available, offering support and encouragement whenever you need it
QUICK & CONVENIENT
Access your AI-powered health coach directly through WhatsApp, a platform you already use every day.
PROACTIVE HELP
Your health coach anticipates your needs and proactively delivers helpful tips to keep you focused on your goals
KEY FEATURES
Conversational support for users on their journey
Pre-set suite of scheduled messages
Tool will adapt and evolve to support users through various health intervention services – e.g. weight management, alcohol abuse
User can chat at any time 24/7, in voice or text form
Messaging engages with users and offers personalised advice
Coaches users through a health improvement journey with a mix of motivational messaging, accountability, progress tracking and support
Supports people whose first language isn’t English, multilingual out the box
MEDWAY COUNCIL QUIT COACH
Your Quit Coach: A stop smoking companion
An AI powered stop smoking support tool, delivered through WhatsApp
Medway Council is piloting a new AI-powered companion, available through WhatsApp, to provide users with the right support on their path to a smoke free future. The tool supports 140-180 quit attempts per year, delivering advice, support, encouragement and motivation that has been specifically designed by experts in the public health team.
All of the communication, advice and engagement is delivered via a WhatsApp chat, which is a popular and familiar channel. Aimed to be a quit coach ‘in their pocket’, the tool allows follow ups to previous conversations, routinely checks in with the client and ensures they feel supported and heard.
Medway has built the system to directly import data into their CRM, ensuring a seamless and robust process with their users. All quit data is held securely away from WhatsApp regardless of CRM integration.
Medway already has a similar AI driven approach to support breastfeeding mothers in their community, and have gone live with the Stop Smoking Coach. Other councils are giving unpaid carers and people who need Adult Social Care support access to trusted information and advice via this AI approach.
THE QUIT COACH SIGN UP PROCESS:
1.
Sign up: Clients sign up via a simple online form.
2.
Customise your companion: Clients then choose a personality for their AI coach that reflects their needs and preferences; this could be empathetic and supportive to more official and prescriptive.
3.
Start your journey: Daily support, reminders, as well as personalised tips and resources are then delivered straight to the client’s WhatsApp chat.
“As a public health team, we’ve always embraced technology that can help support our interventions. Our “Text to Quit” service has been running for over 5 years now, supporting people on their journey to quit smoking. With the arrival of AI it made sense to explore how this technology could enhance this successful service. Last year we piloted use of AI within the Infant Feeding support service and the potential was massive. Through WhatsApp, we have the chance to support residents on their health journey and Bullet have been brilliant in understanding our needs and applying their AI tool to our needs. We are so excited about our new AI powered Quit Coach, and the support it can offer.”
– Scott Elliott – Medway Council
TECHNICAL PARTNER
Bullet Digital Solutions is an AI ISO 42001 accredited, UK based company, specialising in web application development and digital transformation services. They help businesses improve efficiency by simplifying complex workflows and building customised web applications. Their team of experienced consultants has a strong track record of delivering solutions in various sectors, including the public sector, healthcare, and finance. Bullet has been working with AI and developing services for the public sector, with AI services live across both Adult Social Care and Public Health.
