Assessing Empathy in Mental Health Caregivers using Conversational AI

Mental health issues are a significant concern in the United States, with a considerable proportion of adults experiencing some form of mental illness. Unfortunately, a significant portion of these adults do not receive any mental health treatment. Effective communication characterized by empathy is essential for enhancing the well-being of individuals with mental health issues, and the burden of care for these folks falls largely upon family caregivers. However, many caregivers lack the necessary skills to engage with these people in a compassionate and understanding manner. Caregiver training can empower family members and friends to provide in-home treatment to people with mental health issues. To address this challenge, a conversational AI chatbot was developed to train caregivers in empathetic communication. The chatbot engages in interactive conversations with caregivers and offers guidance on compassionate and empathetic communication. Our study demonstrates that conversational AI can serve as a valuable tool for training caregivers, leading to improved patient outcomes through enhanced communication skills.