UK charity develops coronavirus 'chatbot' to help people with arthritis

An online chatbot designed to help people living with arthritis and similar conditions during the coronavirus pandemic has been launched in the UK. Developed by charity Versus Arthritis, the the AI tool, called COVA, is the first of its kind which hopes to help people with long-term health condition living in the UK. It was created in 14 days after the charity was inundated with requests for help and information on its helpline, website and social media. The chatbot incorporates health information developed specifically for people with arthritis and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions on the impact of COVID-19, with answers from Versus Arthritis as well as the British Society for Rheumatology, the NHS and GOV.UK. It is available on the Versus Arthritis website and can be embedded on other websites.