Communication and Media Codes Journal

A JOURNAL OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATION, UNIVERSITY OF NIGERIA, NSUKKA

ISSN: 3093-0693

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE VOICE ASSISTANTS IN HEALTHCARE COMMUNICATION: A MULTILINGUAL APPROACH

Anayo Raphael Ngene,
Chinwe Elizabeth Uzochukwu

Abstract

With the recent development in digital communication, especially with the launch of ChatGPT, the use of Artificial Intelligence across all sectors of life is increasing tremendously, particularly in the area of healthcare communication. This study examined how Multilingual AI Voice Assistants can help to bridge the communication gap in healthcare communication and provide easy access to healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Considering the role of AI Voice Assistants in providing real-time interaction between the healthcare providers and users through technology, the study was anchored on Technological Determinism Theory. Survey and interview were instruments used to collect data. The survey data was collected via Google Form and analyzed using Excel involving frequency distribution of responses while the interview data was analysed using thematic pattern. The study found out that Multilingual Voice Assistants can transform healthcare communication system by providing different platforms for real-time interaction between the healthcare provider and patients, translating medical languages to the patient’s preferred language, and providing self care services. The study recommends among other things that a Multilingual Voice Assistant that would be able to interact in the Nigerian languages should be developed and deployed to hospitals and health management organisations. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Voice Assistants, Healthcare Communication, Multilingualism
Volume:
Vol. 2. January, 2025
Year of Publication:
2025

Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief

Prof. Michael O. Ukonu

Deputy Editor-in-Chief

Dr Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha

Associate Editors

Prof. L.I. Anorue

Prof. J. Wogu

Prof. G. Ezeah

Prof. C.C. Okpoko

Review

Dr Chidiebere Nwachukwu

Dr Ozioma Nwokedi

Dr Victor Nwogbo

Dr Belinda Anyakoha

Dr Uchenna Eze

Dr Ike Ugbor

Secretary

Dr Stephen Ogbodoh

Design Editor

Dr Ike Elike

Business Manager

Dr Martin Ezugwu

Editorial Consultants

Prof. Nnanyelugo Okoro, Department of Mass Communication, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State

Professor Sunny Udezeh, Department of Mass Communication, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu, Enugu State

Professor Ezekiel Asemah, Vice Chancellor’s Office, Glorious Vision University, Benin, Edo State

Professor Jude Terna Kur, Department of Information Science and Media Studies, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

Prof. Rotimi Williams Olatunji, School of Communications, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos State

Prof Walter Ihejirika  

Dr. Chukwujekwu Charles Onwuka Department of Sociology, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam Campus. Email: cc.onwuka@coou.edu.ng
WhatsApp no: 08064396459