Virtual Nurse Application Increases Vaccination Willingness

Recent research conducted by SWPS University has demonstrated that a virtual nurse can effectively encourage individuals to receive vaccinations. This development is particularly significant in light of the ongoing debates surrounding vaccine efficacy and safety among the public.

Vaccinations are widely recognized by the medical and scientific community as one of the most successful public health measures in history. However, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing infectious diseases, there remains a segment of the population that is hesitant or resistant to vaccination. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this issue, highlighting both the importance of mass vaccination and the spread of misinformation that complicates public understanding.

A notable concern is that while a small fraction of the population outright rejects vaccines, a larger group harbors doubts or concerns, contributing to declining vaccination rates. This trend can lead to the resurgence of diseases that were previously under control, such as measles. Consequently, addressing misinformation and fostering trust in scientific guidance is critical for public health.

Researchers at SWPS University propose a novel approach to increasing vaccination rates through the use of a dialogue-based virtual nurse, named FLORA. The FLORA application facilitates discussions about health and influenza vaccination, targeting individuals who may be uncertain about the vaccine's benefits.

In the study, involving 903 participants, researchers assessed the impact of interactive dialogues with the virtual nurse on participants' willingness to vaccinate. A second phase of the study included an additional 870 participants who received direct prompts to get vaccinated. Participants were divided into three groups: one engaged in a conversation with the virtual nurse, another completed a questionnaire assessing their risk of influenza complications, and the final group reviewed informational materials independently.

The virtual nurse, FLORA, engages users through tailored dialogues that assess their health and risk factors while encouraging them to consider vaccination. The interactive format of the conversation was designed to mimic a personal interaction, featuring a visual avatar that displayed empathy and responsiveness during the exchange.

The findings revealed that participants who interacted with FLORA reported a significantly lower perception of their risk for complications from influenza compared to the other groups. This effect was particularly pronounced among those who were initially considered low-risk. Moreover, the introduction of a direct vaccination request following the dialogue led to a remarkable 33-fold increase in participants' willingness to receive the vaccine.

These results indicate that while the virtual dialogue alone may not alter attitudes towards vaccination, a clear and direct request for vaccination can significantly enhance the likelihood of acceptance. The researchers acknowledge that individual predispositions and the credibility of the virtual assistant may also influence these outcomes.

The implications of this study suggest that virtual health assistants could provide valuable support to healthcare providers, especially given the increasing demands on their time and resources. Patients often seek empathy and effective communication from their healthcare providers, yet time constraints can hinder these interactions. Thus, FLORA may serve as a practical solution to bridge the communication gap in healthcare settings.

For further details, refer to the study published in Social Science & Medicine.