The Speculative Future of Conversational AI for Neurocognitive Disorder Screening: a Multi-Stakeholder Perspective

TL;DR

This paper explores the future potential of conversational AI in neurocognitive disorder screening, emphasizing stakeholder perspectives, challenges, and design implications for socially acceptable and engaging solutions.

Contribution

It provides a human-centered analysis of stakeholder expectations and conflicts in deploying CAI for NCD screening, guiding future design considerations.

Findings

Stakeholders expect CAI to be used in home or community settings.

Users seek emotional support, while clinicians prioritize standardized administration.

Conflicts exist between user emotional needs and clinical standardization.

Abstract

Neurocognitive disorders (NCDs), such as Alzheimer's disease, are globally prevalent and require scalable screening methods for proactive management. Prior research has explored the potential of technologies like conversational AI (CAI) to administer NCD screening tests. However, challenges remain in designing CAI-based solutions that make routine NCD screening socially acceptable, engaging, and capable of encouraging early medical consultation. In this study, we conducted interviews with 36 participants, including clinicians, individuals at risk of NCDs, and their caregivers, to explore the speculative future of adopting CAI for NCD screening. Our findings reveal shared expectations, such as deploying CAI in home or community settings to reduce social stress. Nonetheless, conflicts emerged among stakeholders, for example, users' need for emotional support may conflict with clinicians' preference for CAI's professional and standardized administration. Then, we look into the user journey of NCD screening based on the current practice of manual screening and the expected CAI-supported screening. Finally, leveraging the human-centered approach, we provide actionable implications for future CAI design in NCD screening.