Sharing with chatbots Elizz and Cabi
Mental health chatbots are easy to access and can provide support to people finding it hard to share. In Canada, SE Health has co designed 2 chatbots for seniors and caregivers, in partnership with X2, an AI startup with Dutch DNA.
Older adults and family caregivers experiencing loneliness, anxiety or stress who are in need of support, can find it hard to share. This barrier can leave their needs unmet. Mental health chatbots are an option that could provide relief to them. Chatbots are digital programs designed to interact with users through AI technology. Chatbots are easily accessed on a computer, cellphone, tablet or digital assistant. They listen, give advice and can connect people to a health service professional when needed. Seniors and family caregivers may benefit from these services as they are at risk of experiencing social isolation and loneliness.
Partnership with SE Health and X2AI
SE Health’s aim is to provide mental and physical well-being while reducing the utilization of health resources. SE Health found the right know-how with Silicon Valley based startup X2AI, founded by Dutchman Michiel Rauws, to start working together to develop 2 chatbots. Rauws has already designed a chatbot, Tess. Just like SE Health, Rauws was very aware that lots of people need help but can’t access it, while pressure on health organizations can be significant.
The Elizz Chatbot
The Elizz chatbot is an app with a ‘human tone’ or ‘botsonality’ providing emotional support to caregivers everywhere. Elizzbot is a customized version of the Tess chatbot for family caregivers. During the pilot period, Tess exchanged over 12,000 text messages with SE Health employees, learning on the go. Almost all initial Elizzbot users found the chatbot helpful. SE Health launched Elizzbot in 2019.
Coach Cabi for older adults
Coach Cabi is an on-demand chatbot to relieve social isolation and loneliness in older adults living independently. Coach Cabi can be reached through text messages and a voice-enabled digital assistant. Designed by a clinical psychologist, Coach Cabi offers coping strategies and support. Over time, Coach Cabi gets to know the individual, what they enjoy, and what works best for them. SE Health and X2AI are researching how participants enjoy talking with Coach Cabi and its effectiveness in managing their needs.
Cabi is named after a grant awarded by the Baycrest Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation (CABHI), allowing SE Health and X2AI to develop and test the chatbot. Cabi will have finished its testing period by March 31, after which the partners will study Cabi’s results.