For $39 A Month, This ‘Woebot’ May Fill Gaps For Patients Who Can’t See A Therapist
The creators of the chatbot see it as a way to help patients when a therapist isn't available. “You can access it when you need it most,” says former Stanford researcher Alison Darcy. “If it’s 2 a.m. and you’re having a panic attack, a physician isn’t going to be available at that time.” Meanwhile, researchers find that wireless "smart" pill bottles don't really do anything to help people remember to take their medicine.
Los Angeles Times:
Depressed But Can't See A Therapist? This Chatbot Could Help
Fifty years ago, an MIT professor created a chatbot that simulated a psychotherapist. Named Eliza, it was able to trick some people into believing it was human. But it didn’t understand what it was told, nor did it have the capacity to learn on its own. The only test it had to pass was: Could it fool humans? (Lien, 8/23)
KERA:
'Smart' Pill Bottles Aren't Enough To Help The Medicine Go Down
A number of companies are now selling wireless "smart" pill bottles, Internet-linked devices aimed at reminding people to take their pills. But recent research suggests that actually changing that behavior may take more than an electronic nudge. (Silverman, 8/22)
In other health technology news —
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Petaluma Health Center Mines Health Records To Improve Patient Health
The Petaluma Health Center was among 13 North Coast community clinics receiving more than $1 million in federal quality improvement funds. Many are members of the Redwood Community Health Coalition, a consortium of 17 community health clinics in Sonoma, Napa, Marin and Yolo counties. According to HHS, the centers receiving the funds showed high levels of performance in one or more categories, including improving quality of care, increasing access to care, enhancing delivery of high value health care, addressing health disparities and success in achieving a patient-centered medical home providing primary care for dental, mental and medical needs. (Espinoza, 8/22)
Capital Public Radio:
Enlisting Amazon's Alexa In The Campaign To Cut Food Waste
Biodegradable, compostable organic material makes up 40 percent of California's waste stream. Food waste is a big part of that. The Natural Resources Defense Council recently launched a campaign to give consumers concrete tips for cutting back on food waste. (Mitric, 8/22)