A recent study evaluated the use of a bilingual generative AI voice agent to promote colorectal cancer (CRC) screening among Spanish-speaking and English-speaking patients. Conducted in a large health system in central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland, the analysis included 1,878 patients eligible for screening. The AI care agent provided personalized outreach in the patient’s preferred language to discuss CRC screening and assist with fecal immunochemical test (FIT) kit requests. The results showed significantly higher engagement among Spanish-speaking patients compared to their English-speaking counterparts, including higher FIT test opt-in rates (18.2% vs. 7.1%), call connection rates (88.8% vs. 53.3%), and longer call durations (6.05 vs. 4.03 minutes). Multivariate analysis confirmed Spanish language preference as an independent predictor of increased FIT test opt-in rates.
These findings challenge concerns that technology might exacerbate health disparities. Instead, the AI-powered outreach demonstrated the potential to reduce inequities by fostering greater engagement among traditionally underserved populations. The study underscores the importance of language-concordant AI interactions in addressing disparities in preventive healthcare. With support from Hippocratic AI, Inc., this research highlights how tailored AI solutions can enhance healthcare access and equity, particularly for non-English-speaking communities.