The Role of AI-Based Chatbots in Public Health Emergencies: A Narrative Review

Francesco Branda (), Massimo Stella, Cecilia Ceccarelli, Federico Cabitza, Giancarlo Ceccarelli, Antonello Maruotti, Massimo Ciccozzi and Fabio Scarpa
Additional contact information
Francesco Branda: Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Massimo Stella: Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, 38122 Trento, Italy
Cecilia Ceccarelli: Architectural Science School, Department of Architecture, Roma Tre University, 00100 Rome, Italy
Federico Cabitza: Department of Computer Science, Systems and Communication, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
Giancarlo Ceccarelli: Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, University of Rome Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
Antonello Maruotti: Department GEPLI, LUMSA University, 00192 Rome, Italy
Massimo Ciccozzi: Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy
Fabio Scarpa: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy

Future Internet, 2025, vol. 17, issue 4, 1-32

Abstract: The rapid emergence of infectious disease outbreaks has underscored the urgent need for effective communication tools to manage public health crises. Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based chatbots have become increasingly important in these situations, serving as critical resources to provide immediate and reliable information. This review examines the role of AI-based chatbots in public health emergencies, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks. By providing real-time responses to public inquiries, these chatbots help disseminate accurate information, correct misinformation, and reduce public anxiety. Furthermore, AI chatbots play a vital role in supporting healthcare systems by triaging inquiries, offering guidance on symptoms and preventive measures, and directing users to appropriate health services. This not only enhances public access to critical information but also helps alleviate the workload of healthcare professionals, allowing them to focus on more complex tasks. However, the implementation of AI-based chatbots is not without challenges. Issues such as the accuracy of information, user trust, and ethical considerations regarding data privacy are critical factors that need to be addressed to optimize their effectiveness. Additionally, the adaptability of these chatbots to rapidly evolving health scenarios is essential for their sustained relevance. Despite these challenges, the potential of AI-driven chatbots to transform public health communication during emergencies is significant. This review highlights the importance of continuous development and the integration of AI chatbots into public health strategies to enhance preparedness and response efforts during infectious disease outbreaks. Their role in providing accessible, accurate, and timely information makes them indispensable tools in modern public health emergency management.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; disease surveillance; ChatGPT; misinformation; COVID-19; health communication; machine learning; statistical analysis; natural language processing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O3 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-5903/17/4/145/pdf (application/pdf)
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-5903/17/4/145/ (text/html)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jftint:v:17:y:2025:i:4:p:145-:d:1620958

Access Statistics for this article

Future Internet is currently edited by Ms. Grace You

More articles in Future Internet from MDPI
Bibliographic data for series maintained by MDPI Indexing Manager ().