A prototype mobile virtual assistant for semantic-based vaccine information retrieval

Abstract

Since the early 90s, healthcare providers have been mandated to provide VIS (Vaccine Information Statement) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to parents and patients before their children or themselves receive any vaccination uptake. Despite the initiative, there exist issues of patients not receiving a comprehensive understanding about the vaccines and some evidence of doubt of the safety of vaccines. In addition, a significant number of patients find vaccine information on the Internet, which may inevitably influence perceptions of vaccines. This paper introduces Vaccine Helmsman, an initial prototype of a mobile client that allows for natural language querying of semantically-driven knowledge-base of vaccine information for patients. With the ubiquitous impact of the web and mobile devices in the hands of many patients, this would allow for contextual and instant access to vaccine information, and therefore enhance vaccine literacy. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.