Artificial Intelligence Voice Assistants in Healthcare Communication: A Multilingual Approach

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