Preparing AI chatbots to respond to patient distress and suicidality in high-risk healthcare settings - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Equipping AI Chatbots to Address Patient Distress and Suicidal Thoughts in High-Risk Healthcare Environments

  • By

  • Joanna M. Streck

  • Dallas Swendeman

  • W. Scott Comulada

  • Y. Xian Ho

  • Julia Cannistraro

  • Gladys N. Pachas

  • Danielle Alves-Back

  • Wei Sum Li

  • Jonathan L. Jackson

  • Delta-Marie Lewis

  • Namrata Tomar

  • David Warren

  • Douglas E. Levy

  • Lillian Gelberg

  • September 22, 2026

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  • 1

    Generative AI chatbots are increasingly used for behavioral health support in healthcare settings, leveraging large language models for real-time dialogue.

  • 2

    AI chatbots can reduce clinician burden and improve access to mental healthcare, particularly for patients with substance use disorders.

  • 3

    Risks associated with AI chatbots include inconsistent responses, lack of risk monitoring, and potential for harmful advice, necessitating safety measures.

  • 4

    The AI chatbot 'Suzy' was developed to assist patients with substance use disorders, incorporating safety guardrails and human-based monitoring.

  • 5

    Suzy's design includes a safety disclaimer and a 'Safety Router' to triage user messages based on risk levels, enhancing patient safety.

Original Source(s)

Preparing AI chatbots to respond to patient distress and suicidality in high-risk healthcare settings

  • by Joanna M. Streck, Dallas Swendeman, W. Scott Comulada, Y. Xian Ho, Julia Cannistraro, Gladys N. Pachas, Danielle Alves-Back, Wei Sum Li, Jonathan L. Jackson, Delta-Marie Lewis, Namrata Tomar, David Warren, Douglas E. Levy, Lillian Gelberg

  • September 22, 2026

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