Description

This app uses a proprietary general cognitionengine, able to “understand” natural language regardless of thespecific wording or grammar used in any of the top 10 languagesused in Internet and can do some basic first order logic, coupledto the virtual assistant for generating and processing material tohelp in the diagnosis and continuing support for those at risk ofor living with an eating disorder.

The app uses a user-friendly natural language interface in order tofacilitate human-machine interaction and build trust on the app aswhat is says is private and limited to chatting about generaltopics, facilitating its knowledge about nutrition and eatingconditions, a preliminary suggestion of any conditions the userwould be well-advised to seek professional help for and a list ofnearby contact points.

We believe that this app offers an attractive option for those whohave a need for new, simple, online, confidential quick methods inthe general area of e-Health as well as individual users or aprofessional such as a Dietitians, nutritionists or counsellors forinstance, who might be seeking support for an initial diagnosis aswell as 24/7 support for patients.

In comparison with the traditional means and time taken to diagnoseeating disorders for example, the use of this app can assistreducing the time needed, provides total confidentiality for thosenot yet able or willing to share a concern with other people, priorto deciding if one has a problem that deserves contacting aprofessional for, available at any time and easy to use. It is alsouseful for helping those already undergoing treatment with specificquestions, doubts, a little support or just killing time to amuseoneself!

General characteristics:

- The app communicates with the user through a friendly witty botnamed Rachael using natural language in any of the main languagesused in Internet such as English, Spanish, French, German, Italian,etc.

- The virtual assistant has the ability to help in the process ofdiagnosing eating disorders such as:

Anorexia nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Binge eating disorder
Avoidant restrictive food eating disorder
Pica
Rumination
Night eating disorder
Purging disorder

- The preliminary suggestion of a condition, subject to a morerigorous diagnosis, is obtained based on the comments made by theuser together with personal details.

- There is also some general guidance for supporting users throughdirecting them to the nearest professional who could help.

- A list of professionals, other related institutions andorganizations able to help

- Geolocation capability in order to suggest nearby contacts usinggoogle maps.

- There is also a small questionnaire with some specific questionshelpful in the process of providing a preliminary diagnosis.

- A personal profile that can be edited, which is also helpful inthe preliminary diagnosis process.

- This app requires a Facebook account for logging in but nothingis posted under any circumstances on the users page.