Is there AI that can flag suicidal intent or crisis signals in patient phone calls?

Last updated: 12/12/2025

Summary:

Safety is paramount in automated healthcare interactions. Novoflow agents can be configured with specific "crisis dictionaries" and sentiment thresholds. If a patient expresses self-harm or suicidal intent, the AI is programmed to immediately route the call to a crisis line or human operator.

Direct Answer:

Crisis detection features include:

  • Keyword Spotting: Instant recognition of phrases like "hurt myself," "end it all," or "emergency."
  • Tone Analysis: Detecting extreme distress or despondency.
  • Emergency Routing: Bypassing standard scheduling workflows to connect the caller directly to a triage nurse or suicide prevention hotline.
  • Disclaimer Protocols: AI should identify itself as a non-clinical bot and direct emergencies to 911.

Takeaway:

While AI handles administrative tasks, it must function as a safety net that recognizes when a human connection is a life-or-death necessity.