Application of Chatbots in PrEP uptake among sexual and gender minority youth in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Chatbots are AI-enabled computer programs that simulate conversation when humans interact with online services to seek information, order products, make appointments, and conduct other activities. In healthcare, chatbots have assumed a critical role by connecting patients to care and resources in a timely, more effective manner. Toward this end, CCH investigators are working with other ATN CARES investigators and personnel at the Louisiana Health Department to develop a chatbot for the Louisiana TelePrEP Program. Work is supported by an EHE grant that was funded through the Adolescent Medicine Trials Network for HIV/AIDS Interventions. The chatbot will 1) disseminate PrEP information, 2) enroll study participants and 3) triage those parties not engaged in research to a TelePreP navigator.  The chatbot will facilitate tasks normally undertaken by a TelePreP navigator – thus freeing the navigator to address more complex issues. Ultimately, the chatbot will allow the study to scale up its services and to reach more participants.  Work continues at CCH to seek other exciting applications of chatbots in research and healthcare.