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Gen AI chatbot for simplified access to cancer information

Client
A nonprofit organization fostering early cancer detection initiatives
Industry
Healthcare and Medical Research
Services
Data preparation and integration, 3rd party Gen AI solution customization and deployment
Tech stack
Chatling.io, Claude 3.5

Challenge

Early detection is critical in the fight against cancer, significantly improving survival rates and reducing healthcare costs. Yet, many individuals delay seeking medical advice due to a lack of awareness or hesitation to consult healthcare professionals. To address this gap, our client, a nonprofit organization advancing cancer research and early detection efforts, launched a website offering an extensive collection of educational resources. However, users found navigating the comprehensive content challenging and struggled to access relevant information efficiently. Recognizing this challenge, the client sought a solution to enhance the user experience and simplify access to their resources. They approached ITRex to implement an AI-powered chatbot that could streamline access to critical information, provide general guidance on cancer screening and treatment options, and respond to users in a friendly yet professional tone. Speed of implementation was a top priority, as the client needed a high-quality solution within a tight timeframe.

ITRex was tasked with:
Developing a user-friendly chatbot with a balanced tone, similar to that of the New York magazine
Displaying sources and their authors in chatbot responses for credibility
Crafting prompts so that the chatbot could: Identify users’ proficiency levels (expert or layman) and tailor responses accordingly Avoid requesting explicit private information Provide general information on cancer detection, screenings, risk factors, and treatment options without offering medical advice Display a “Non-Medical Advisory” disclaimer when discussing diagnoses or symptoms
Integrating the chatbot as a standalone page on the client’s website

Solution

To meet the client’s needs, ITRex developed a tailored generative AI solution using Chatling.io, a no-code tool ideal for building customizable chatbots. Knowledge base development Our team began by creating a knowledge base using the client’s educational materials, including docx, PDFs, and web links. Optical character recognition (OCR) technology was applied where needed to process documents and ensure accuracy and accessibility. AI model selection and prompt crafting We decided on the Claude 3.5 model with a 0 temperature setting because of its ability to deliver accurate summarization and maintain a conversational, natural tone. Through prompt engineering, we:
Defined the chatbot’s name, goal, and tone
Guided the chatbot to identify users’ expertise levels and adjust responses accordingly
Designed user experience flows to anticipate and address follow-up questions
Ensured all conversations complied with HIPAA standards
Customizations and integration After testing the Gen AI chatbot's responses to a variety of user queries, we customized the chatbot’s interface by incorporating the client’s branding, such as logos and color schemes. Finally, we integrated the chatbot as a standalone page on the client’s website, ensuring seamless user access.
generative ai chatbot
gen ai chatbot

Impact

In just three weeks, ITRex developed a generative AI chatbot that transformed the client’s website into a more interactive, user-centric platform. This solution not only improved user engagement but also underscored the critical role of early screenings in saving lives and reducing healthcare costs.
Streamlined access Users can now ask the chatbot about cancer screenings, symptoms, or general health tips and receive concise, research-backed responses in real time.
Enhanced awareness By emphasizing the importance of early cancer detection, the chatbot raises awareness of life-saving screenings.
Economic impact The chatbot highlights the potential financial benefits of early detection, citing research showing that earlier diagnoses across 19 cancers could save $26 billion annually, representing 17% of total cancer care costs.
Societal impact This initiative demonstrates how AI can bridge gaps in healthcare communication, driving lasting societal benefit through innovation and empathy.

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