Cognitive status assessment of older adults – test administration by conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot: proof-of-concept investigation.
Saved in:
| Title: | Cognitive status assessment of older adults – test administration by conversational artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot: proof-of-concept investigation. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Serafimovska, Anastasia (AUTHOR), Swavley, Katrina (AUTHOR), Zhang Qian Ao, Alice (AUTHOR), Challinor, Kirsten L. (AUTHOR), Florio, Tony (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology. Jul2025, Vol. 47 Issue 5, p472-484. 13p. |
| Subjects: | Chatbots, Artificial intelligence, Test validity, Psychometrics, Cognitive interviewing |
| Abstract: | Background: The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-M) is a widely utilized tool for remotely assessing cognitive function, particularly among community-dwelling older adults who are unable to attend in-person evaluations. In healthcare, AI has the potential to enhance service delivery by increasing efficiency, expanding accessibility, and reducing the cost per service. Using a conversational AI chatbot, we automated administration of TICS-M (traditionally administered by psychologists), referring to this chatbot-administered version as TICS-M-AI. The aim was to investigate proof-of-concept for chatbot automation of cognitive assessment. We report three studies evaluating psychometric properties of TICS-M-AI and an additional study on safety. Method: Study1: Concurrent validity of the TICS-M-AI was assessed by administration of the TICS-M (by Psychologist) and the TICS-M-AI to the same participants (n = 100), one week apart. Study 2: Test-retest reliability was assessed by administering the TICS-M-AI twice to each participant, one week apart (n = 82) and comparing results. Study 3: Construct validity was assessed by attempted replication, using TICS-M-AI data (n = 264), of a previously published study by Lindgren et al. (2019) of item response patterns observed using data obtained by traditional clinician administered TICS-M. Study 4: Safety was assessed by comparing rates of reported assessment-related distress between TICS-M (n = 100) and TICS-M-AI (n = 264) administrations Results: TICS-M-AI concurrent validity (r = 0.81, 88% classification agreement, κ = 0.73) with the TICS-M and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.76, ICC = 0.72, 83% agreement, κ = 0.65). Using the TICS-M-AI we replicated Lindgren et al. (2019) result which used the TICS-M. Conclusions: TICS-M-AI administered by an AI chatbot performed well compared to traditional TICS-M administration by a psychologist. TICS-M-AI is reliable, valid, and equally safe with added advantages of lower cost, scalability, and broader accessibility. Future research should address generalizability across diverse populations and refine AI adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Clinical & Experimental Neuropsychology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Background: The Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status-Modified (TICS-M) is a widely utilized tool for remotely assessing cognitive function, particularly among community-dwelling older adults who are unable to attend in-person evaluations. In healthcare, AI has the potential to enhance service delivery by increasing efficiency, expanding accessibility, and reducing the cost per service. Using a conversational AI chatbot, we automated administration of TICS-M (traditionally administered by psychologists), referring to this chatbot-administered version as TICS-M-AI. The aim was to investigate proof-of-concept for chatbot automation of cognitive assessment. We report three studies evaluating psychometric properties of TICS-M-AI and an additional study on safety. Method: Study1: Concurrent validity of the TICS-M-AI was assessed by administration of the TICS-M (by Psychologist) and the TICS-M-AI to the same participants (n = 100), one week apart. Study 2: Test-retest reliability was assessed by administering the TICS-M-AI twice to each participant, one week apart (n = 82) and comparing results. Study 3: Construct validity was assessed by attempted replication, using TICS-M-AI data (n = 264), of a previously published study by Lindgren et al. (2019) of item response patterns observed using data obtained by traditional clinician administered TICS-M. Study 4: Safety was assessed by comparing rates of reported assessment-related distress between TICS-M (n = 100) and TICS-M-AI (n = 264) administrations Results: TICS-M-AI concurrent validity (r = 0.81, 88% classification agreement, κ = 0.73) with the TICS-M and good test-retest reliability (r = 0.76, ICC = 0.72, 83% agreement, κ = 0.65). Using the TICS-M-AI we replicated Lindgren et al. (2019) result which used the TICS-M. Conclusions: TICS-M-AI administered by an AI chatbot performed well compared to traditional TICS-M administration by a psychologist. TICS-M-AI is reliable, valid, and equally safe with added advantages of lower cost, scalability, and broader accessibility. Future research should address generalizability across diverse populations and refine AI adaptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 13803395 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/13803395.2025.2542248 |
