Nutmin

Virtual assistant to help in the diagnosis of nutritional disorders

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

The app uses a user-friendly natural language interface in order to facilitate human-machine interaction and build trust on the app as what is says is private and limited to chatting about general topics, facilitating its knowledge about nutrition and eating conditions, a preliminary suggestion of any conditions the user would be well-advised to seek professional help for and a list of nearby contact points.

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

In comparison with the traditional means and time taken to diagnose eating disorders for example, the use of this app can assist reducing the time needed, provides total confidentiality for those not yet able or willing to share a concern with other people, prior to deciding if one has a problem that deserves contacting a professional for, available at any time and easy to use. It is also useful for helping those already undergoing treatment with specific questions, doubts, a little support or just killing time to amuse oneself!

General characteristics:

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

- The virtual assistant has the ability to help in the process of diagnosing 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 more rigorous diagnosis, is obtained based on the comments made by the user together with personal details.

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

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

- Geolocation capability in order to suggest nearby contacts using google maps.

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

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

- This app requires a Facebook account for logging in but nothing is posted under any circumstances on the users page.