Chatbots Evolve: Leveraging Large Language Models for Healthcare Industry
A New Era of Chatbots
For years, chatbots were limited to responding with predetermined replies that followed a simple logic structure. However, customers often have complex problems, and no tree-diagram of possible replies can account for all the edge cases that arise. Thankfully, the advent of large language models (LLMs) has finally made chatbots useful.
The Power of Generative AI
Startups are now leveraging generative AI to create custom chatbots for various businesses and use cases, particularly those where people want to be sure about what they’re buying. Thailand’s HDis building chatbots aimed at one such industry: healthcare.
Building Conversational AI for Healthcare
HDis co-founder Sheji Ho shared with TechCrunch that the company started as a marketplace for third-party healthcare and surgery services and sees a strong case for developing conversational AI for the healthcare customer journey. ‘The products we are selling are not the typical stuff you buy on Amazon,’ Ho explained. ‘They are hospital services, so people shop the same way as they do offline.’
Even though each product has a description on HD’s marketplace HDmall, 90% of the chat messages are people asking about product information. The company wants to automate this process with conversational AI.
Advancing AI Ambitions
To advance its AI ambitions, HD recently raised a significant amount of funding, which will be used to develop and refine their conversational AI platform. This investment will help HDis stay ahead in the competitive healthcare industry.
Healthcare Industry Challenges
However, developing a successful conversational AI platform for the healthcare industry comes with unique challenges. Founders must ensure that their chatbots are accurate, empathetic, and effective in communicating complex medical information to patients.
The Benefits of Early Investment
HDis accepted a more moderate valuation early on, which has allowed them to focus on building a strong foundation for their conversational AI platform. This decision was influenced by the recent trend of companies raising high valuations and then struggling to grow sustainably.
Importance of Sustainable Growth
HDis co-founder emphasized the importance of sustainable growth in the healthcare industry, where companies must prioritize accuracy and effectiveness over aggressive expansion. By focusing on building a solid foundation, HDis can create a platform that truly benefits patients and healthcare professionals alike.
Conclusion
The evolution of chatbots is an exciting development in the tech industry, particularly for the healthcare sector. With the power of LLMs and generative AI, startups like HDis are creating innovative solutions to complex problems.
As we move forward, it’s essential to prioritize sustainable growth, accuracy, and effectiveness in the development of conversational AI platforms. By doing so, companies can build trust with their users and create a lasting impact on the healthcare industry.
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Share Your Thoughts
What do you think about the evolution of chatbots? How can conversational AI platforms benefit the healthcare industry?
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