Abstract

BackgroundConversational agents, which we defined as computer programs that are designed to simulate two-way human conversation by using language and are potentially supplemented with nonlanguage modalities, offer promising avenues for health interventions for different populations across the life course. There is a lack of open-access and user-friendly resources for identifying research trends and gaps and pinpointing expertise across international centers.ObjectiveOur aim is to provide an overview of all relevant evidence on conversational agents for health and well-being across the life course. Specifically, our objectives are to identify, categorize, and synthesize—through visual formats and a searchable database—primary studies and reviews in this research field.MethodsAn evidence map was selected as the type of literature review to be conducted, as it optimally corresponded to our aim. We systematically searched 8 databases (MEDLINE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Scopus; the Cochrane, ACM, IEEE, and Joanna Briggs Institute databases; and Google Scholar). We will perform backward citation searching on all included studies. The first stage of a double-stage screening procedure, which was based on abstracts and titles only, was conducted by using predetermined eligibility criteria for primary studies and reviews. An operational screening procedure was developed for streamlined and consistent screening across the team. Double data extraction will be performed with previously piloted data collection forms. We will appraise systematic reviews by using A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) 2. Primary studies and reviews will be assessed separately in the analysis. Data will be synthesized through descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, and subgroup analysis (if appropriate) and through high-level maps such as scatter and bubble charts. The development of the searchable database will be informed by the research questions and data extraction forms.ResultsAs of April 2021, the literature search in the eight databases was concluded, yielding a total of 16,351 records. The first stage of screening, which was based on abstracts and titles only, resulted in the selection of 1282 records of primary studies and 151 records of reviews. These will be subjected to second-stage screening. A glossary with operational definitions for supporting the study selection and data extraction stages was drafted. The anticipated completion date is October 2021.ConclusionsOur wider definition of a conversational agent and the broad scope of our evidence map will explicate trends and gaps in this field of research. Additionally, our evidence map and searchable database of studies will help researchers to avoid fragmented research efforts and wasteful redundancies. Finally, as part of the Harnessing the Power of Conversational e-Coaches for Health and Well-being Through Swiss-Portuguese Collaboration project, our work will also inform the development of an international taxonomy on conversational agents for health and well-being, thereby contributing to terminology standardization and categorization.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/26680

Highlights

  • In 2016, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 40.5 million deaths worldwide, which corresponded to 71% of deaths worldwide

  • As part of the Harnessing the Power of Conversational e-Coaches for Health and Well-being Through Swiss-Portuguese Collaboration project, our work will inform the development of an international taxonomy on conversational agents for health and well-being, thereby contributing to terminology standardization and categorization

  • NCDs can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle

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Summary

Introduction

In 2016, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 40.5 million deaths worldwide, which corresponded to 71% of deaths worldwide. A European multicohort study, which was conducted from 1991 to 2006 and included 116,043 people who were free of major NCDs at baseline, suggested that various healthy lifestyle profiles yield gains in life years without major NCDs, including type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [2]. Changing and sustaining health behaviors, which are integral to both the prevention and self-management of NCDs, are known to be challenging and resource intensive [3]. Digitalization and automation remove time and place restrictions, thereby broadening access to lifestyle and self-management interventions in a potentially cost-effective manner. Full economic evaluations of interventions that use the internet, mobile devices, or computers for the prevention and control of type 2 diabetes have demonstrated high cost-effectiveness, even though they were not fully automated [4]. There is a lack of open-access and user-friendly resources for identifying research trends and gaps and pinpointing expertise across international centers

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