A decision tree is a common tool to make a quick, approximate decision. It takes a flowchart-like structure, where each node represents a test about a certain attribute. In case of a binary decision tree, as shown in the diagram, each test is a yes-no question.
In general, decision trees are only approximately accurate. They are not suitable for precise diagnostics, but they are good and useful for making a rapid, triage-like decision, or classifying things approximately.
When applied to voice user interface, decision trees become a powerful decision support tool. Vision Del Mar, LLC develops voice decision trees for speech recognition systems.
Wellness Check helps people make timely decisions about their wellness via voice and Alexa. Awareness and knowledge are the key to better wellness. Wellness Check brings new opportunities to better future health for everyone.
With simple, quick, yes-no questions by Wellness Check, people will learn how to find important signs from their symptoms so that they can quickly make educated decisions in time of need. In general, symptoms alone are not enough to diagnose a medical disorder; therefore, it is not possible or advisable to develop a diagnostic system via voice alone. However, symptoms are useful as "clues" that indicate possible underlying conditions. Knowing what to look for in symptoms is an important life skill for people to make an informed decision in time of need.
Unfortunately, today's situation is enigmatic. On one hand, there is a wealth of online and printed information on how to identify clues to symptoms for general public. Supposedly anyone can access and use such information, anywhere, anytime. But on the other hand, you have to look for such information, and when you do find them, these resources require tedious reading and deciphering medical jargon. Literacy and accessibility issues in healthcare are serious problems, and have been preventing many of us from making informed decisions at the time when we need it. Wellness Check helps to solve the problem by using voice and Alexa.
Let's say you've been feeling a little down for a few days. Most people would think "it's nothing, I'll just tough it out". This is common but not a well educated decision. You could look it up online or reference books, but who has the time and resource? You would want to email your doctor for an advice, but you hesitate because you don't know what to say or how to ask.
Instead, wouldn't it be nice if you could just say "Alexa, ask Wellness Check, I'm not feeling well"? Alexa would then ask a few yes-no questions, and bring out some possible signs pertinent to your condition. You could then take an action, like calling an advice nurse or emailing your doctor for an advice with your specific signs and condition. Nurses and doctors can help you better with precise, accurate information.
Wellness Check asks yes-no questions and offers a compelling reason to talk to a doctor. This is better than giving a medical advice. It's safer and quicker, and promotes better doctor-patient relationship. For this purpose, three design guidelines dictate what Wellness Check does and doesn’t.
1. No medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment shall be provided by Wellness Check.
2. No personally identifiable information shall be used or collected by Wellness Check.
3. Wellness Check shall only use general public information for accuracy and integrity of the content.
To meet the three design guidelines, the decision trees are adopted from a published reference for medical accuracy, and the textual content is completely revised for safe, anonymous access to educational information.
***Important disclaimer: This tool does not provide medical advice, and is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Call your doctor to receive medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please dial your local emergency response phone number. ***
Supported Language: English (US, UK, IN)
Wellness Check was certified and published on April 18, 2018.
Car troubles are annoying and inconvenient. Dealing with mechanics is equally intimidating and frustrating. With My Advice Mechanic on Alexa, just answering a few yes-no questions saves people time and labor in finding out what's causing common car problems, like failing to start engine, noise, or smoke. This empowers people to make educated decisions on what to do in time of need.
Supported Languages: English (US, AU, UK, IN)
My Advice Mechanic was certified and published on February 9, 2018.
My Advice Nurse helps users learn about common wellness problems: feeling tired, depressed, anxious, and sleep problem.
***Important disclaimer: This tool does not provide medical advice, and is for informational and educational purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. Call your doctor to receive medical advice. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please dial your local emergency response phone number. ***
Supported Languages: English (US, AU, UK, IN)
My Advice Nurse was certified and published on February 9, 2018.