Nutmin

Rachael Repp as a virtual assistant for eating disorders diagnosis

Abstract

Artificial intelligence has allowed several advances in the health areas. “Nutmin” was developed as an Android app, using technology already in use by a general cognitive engine called Rachael Repp. This conversational assistant is capable of six logic operations (equivalence, similarity, induction, deduction, abduction, and metaphor); it is also able to learn free unstructured text and it is capable of improving itself. In a combined effort between Universidad Iberoamericana León and AVNTK, SC., it was possible for “Nutmin” to identify the user’s risk for developing eight different eating disorders. To achieve this, a qualitative study was conducted involving patients with eating disorders and health experts in these diseases. A questionnaire was used to find typical eating disorders phrases; confirmatory questions were added, as well as a health and nutrition orientation section. Finally, the user can be referred a specialized clinic or independent professional. The application has the objective to be a diagnostic support, at no time it seeks to take the place of a well-trained eating disorders professional. We are currently working on a research on the validity of the risk determined by “Nutmin”. Future plans include again Universidad Iberoamericana Leon and AVNTK, SC, working together on an app for helping on the diagnosis for rare diseases.