# The Role of AI-Based Chatbots in Public Health Emergencies: A Narrative Review
## 6 Clinical Insights from an Infectious Disease Specialist
### AI-Powered Chatbots for Clinical Management During Outbreaks
AI is also optimizing hospital operations by automating administrative tasks, improving patient flow, and enhancing resource allocation. In medical diagnostics, AI is accelerating image analysis in radiology and pathology, enabling faster and more accurate results [98]. Furthermore, chatbots contribute significantly to telehealth delivery, encompassing remote patient monitoring, medication reminders, and personalized health advice ([[https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper//issue_4_april_2024/53081/final/fin_irjmets1713334010.pdf](https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper//issue_4_april_2024/53081/final/fin_irjmets1713334010.pdf)]([https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper//issue_4_april_2024/53081/final/fin_irjmets1713334010.pdf](https://www.irjmets.com/uploadedfiles/paper//issue_4_april_2024/53081/final/fin_irjmets1713334010.pdf)), accessed on 9 March 2025) virtual assistance, creating new possibilities for patient-physician interaction. For example, recent advancements in voice-based AI technologies, as highlighted by [PERSON] et al. [99], demonstrate the potential of voice chatbots to streamline healthcare delivery during pandemics. These systems can automate patient triage, provide real-time health information, and support remote monitoring, reducing the burden on healthcare providers and improving patient outcomes. Figure 4 illustrates the workflow of an AI-driven voice chatbot in healthcare delivery, showcasing its integration with clinical decision support systems and electronic health records. The workflow begins with the user (patient or healthcare provider) interacting with the chatbot through a voice interface, such as a smartphone or smart speaker. The chatbot processes the user's input using NLP techniques and connects to a clinical decision support system (CDSS) to provide accurate, context-aware responses. The system then integrates the collected data with electronic health records (EHRs), enabling real-time updates and alerts for healthcare providers. This seamless integration allows for efficient patient triage, remote monitoring, and personalized care, reducing the workload on healthcare professionals and improving patient outcomes. Figure 3: An example of BERT-based medical BOT [94]. Enhancing Outbreak Response with Chatbots: Benefits and Challenges in Clinical Management of Patients  
AI-powered chatbots can play a significant role in improving clinical management during infectious disease outbreaks. These tools offer tangible benefits for both patients and healthcare professionals by optimizing workflows and enhancing operational efficiency. For patients, chatbots serve as an immediate source of information and support. They can guide users through symptom assessment and triage, helping them determine the appropriate level of care and potentially reducing unnecessary hospital visits [3]. This is particularly crucial during outbreaks, as it minimizes exposure risk and alleviates the burden on healthcare facilities. Additionally, chatbots can disseminate accurate and up-to-date information about the outbreak, counteracting misinformation and enabling individuals to make informed decisions [3]. For patients managing their illness remotely, chatbots can facilitate remote monitoring by tracking symptoms and vital signs, allowing for the early detection of any health deterioration [100]. They can also provide medication reminders, support treatment adherence, and offer basic mental health assistance to help manage the stress and anxiety often associated with public health emergencies [101]. Furthermore, by analyzing individual patient data, chatbots can generate personalized health recommendations tailored to specific needs. Healthcare professionals also stand to benefit from chatbot integration. By handling routine inquiries, distributing important updates, and reinforcing clinical guidelines, chatbots can reduce the workload of medical staff, enabling them to focus on more complex cases and direct patient care [101].