Chatbot for virtual medical assistance

Abstract

A healthy population is vital for societal prosperity and happiness. Amidst busy lifestyles and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals often neglect their health needs. To address this, we introduce a novel approach utilizing a chatbot for virtual medical assistance. Tailored for individuals confined indoors or hesitant to visit hospitals for minor ailments, our chatbot offers personalized medical support by diagnosing ailments based on user-reported symptoms and engaging in interactive conversations. Leveraging a robust dataset containing 132 symptoms, 41 diseases, and corresponding medications, our chatbot employs a systematic approach for symptom refinement, enhancing diagnostic precision. Upon identifying a disease, the chatbot promptly suggests basic medications tailored to the specific ailment. Furthermore, our system integrates user demographics to evaluate medication history and current state, allowing for personalized medication recommendations based on individual needs. Through extensive testing and validation, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our chatbot in accurately predicting ailments and providing timely treatment advice. Our study introduces a novel paradigm for medicine recommendation and disease prediction, with the potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and effectiveness.