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TO CHAT OR NOT TO CHAT : THE CHATBOT PROJ EC T I MPROV I NG DOC TOR WE L LBE I NG

Once published, this study lays the foundation for further research in e-mental health therapies for medical professionals, as well as those within other fields. We have identified opportunities for the use of our Delta chatbot in every sector and industry, in particular education, as every single person, no matter their role, must look after their mental wellbeing. chnnl aims to break down the barriers for individuals to protect and prioritise mental wellbeing. Often these barriers are often monetary or time-based, and therefore we chnnl as a fantastic opportunity offering a scalable and affordable solution to all.

reflections, and free-text journal entries. The intervention group receives the complete mobile wellbeing programme, including both the chnnl app and an in-app chatbot called Delta, based on Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) therapy. Delta has been developed, together with a clinical psychologist, as a supplementary support system for mild or moderate mental health concerns. Delta’s dialogue flow incorporates wellbeing check- ins and clinically supported recommendations based on check-in scores. Delta is available 24/7, does not stigmatise, and its anonymity allows for open discussion of mental health issues. The study randomised n=31 participants to the control group, which received the standard daily mental wellbeing check-in and n=32 to the intervention group, who had the addition of Delta. The intervention group has so far shown statistically significant increases in personal awareness and utilisation of support options than control group participants. This RCT will continue to measure whether a chatbot can be used as an acceptable technology to measure and monitor the mental health of RMOs, and whether it will lead to an increased awareness of personal mental health.

Whilst it is largely agreed upon that trainee medical professionals face straining work conditions and psychological harm; there is often a low utilisation of mental health treatment from this group due to stigma and concerns regarding career progression. Ultimately, this has resulted in medical students suffering some of the highest rates of emotional difficulties than any other discipline. There is, therefore, a need for a non-traditional approach, calling for an exploration of new modalities of delivering treatment interventions to support training medical professionals. chnnl limited, a revolutionary data- lead start-up, in collaboration with the University of Otago is collecting data from 63 postgraduate Canterbury District Health Board resident medical officers (RMOs) in their first year and above who have access to a smartphone and are willing to provide follow-up information at scheduled time- points. The study is a randomised control trial that assesses the effectiveness and acceptability of mental wellbeing monitoring delivered via the chnnl mobile app, for RMOs. chnnl allows individuals to self- report nuanced aspects of their workplace wellbeing through clinically validated check-ins, hinz.org.nz/page/JOIN

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