How Chatbots Support Healthcare Professionals in Improving Vaccine Communication and Uptake

As measles outbreaks re-emerge across North America, with thousands of cases reported in countries like Canada, one of the contributing factors is the missed opportunities for vaccination discussions—not only due to access issues but also because of the lapses in critical conversations between clinicians and patients. Effective communication is essential for promoting vaccine acceptance, yet the limited time in clinical visits and the complex nature of these discussions pose challenges.

Research suggests that artificial intelligence (AI), particularly chatbots, can serve as valuable tools in enhancing healthcare communication. While AI has traditionally supported diagnostics and administrative tasks, its role as a training resource for clinicians holds significant promise. By developing chatbot-based simulations, healthcare professionals—such as doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—can rehearse and refine their skills in handling sensitive vaccine conversations in a risk-free environment.

Especially in rural and remote areas with limited access to in-person training, AI-powered chatbots can provide accessible and engaging training modules. Even in well-resourced urban settings, these tools offer flexibility for ongoing skill development.

Studies confirm that improved communication strategies can increase vaccine uptake. For example, brief interventions utilizing conversational techniques like motivational interviewing have demonstrated measurable improvements in patient trust and vaccination rates. AI chatbots can facilitate widespread training of clinicians on these evidence-based approaches, allowing them to practice and perfect their techniques before engaging with real patients.

One effective method is the AIMS approach—announcing, inquiring, mirroring, and securing trust—which can be practiced through chatbot simulations. During training, clinicians may role-play as they would in real life, responding to vaccine hesitancy with empathetic and strategic communication, ultimately leading to better trust and vaccination outcomes.

Furthermore, chatbot technology can be constantly updated with the latest misinformation trends, equipping clinicians to counteract growing vaccine skepticism effectively. This continuous learning process is essential as misinformation evolves rapidly and influences public trust.

Beyond vaccine discussions, AI-based chatbots have shown success in areas like smoking cessation and stress management through motivational interviewing techniques. Applying these approaches in ongoing clinical education can prepare healthcare providers to address vaccine hesitancy confidently, strengthening the trust between clinicians and the communities they serve. Ultimately, AI tools offer a scalable, low-risk way to build communication skills, foster trust, and improve public health outcomes in vaccination efforts.