This study is designed to study the feasibility and acceptability of the Open to Options (O2O) Chatbot prototype. The O2O program is an existing patient support program with content currently delivered via in-person counseling with a trained mental health professional or via an existing web-based program (Let's Talk Treatment Options).The Chatbot is an automated, menu-based agent being developed in this study to extend the reach and accessibility of the O2O program via the Chatbot's "virtual coaching".
This is a pilot study to assess feasibility and acceptability, and to gather preliminary data on how patients with a diagnosis of cancer appraise being prepared for their upcoming visit with a cancer specialist. Participants will be randomized to take a survey either before or after their Chatbot interaction. The surveys collect participants' self-appraisal regarding preparedness for their upcoming appointment with a cancer physician, cancer distress and cancer anxiety. The study will examine whether patients who take the survey after viewing the Chatbot feel more prepared for their upcoming appointment than those who take the survey before the Chatbot interaction.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
18
Participants respond to online survey questions either before or after using the Chatbot O2O intervention.
An online, automated, menu-based agent in which all responses are pre-programmed to be consistent with the existing O2O program. The chat-like responses help guide the participant through a process with the goal of developing a list of questions for their upcoming appointment with a cancer clinician. The session is meant to be completed in one sitting and estimated to take about 45 minutes to complete (including the pre- or post-intervention survey); however, if a participant stops in the middle, they may go back and complete the Chatbot session (or survey).
University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Feasibility of Integrating Chatbot in Clinic
The feasibility of integrating an Open to Options (O2O) Chatbot into the clinical workflow, assessed by the number of patients who accept the invitation to receive more information about the study, among all those invited.
Time frame: At the time of scheduling an appointment with cancer physician; one day
Acceptability - Reach
Assessed by the number of patients who log-in to the O2O Chatbot program and create an account, among all those who accepted the invitation to receive information.
Time frame: Baseline (Before appointment with cancer physician); up to approximately 3 weeks after scheduling appointment
Acceptability - Uptake
Assessed by the number of patients who proceed to view the full Chatbot prototype and generate a summary, among all those who created an account.
Time frame: Baseline (Before appointment with cancer physician); up to approximately 3 weeks after scheduling appointment
Acceptability - Mean Satisfaction Scores
Post-Intervention Survey Group only: In addition to the survey given to all participants, the post-intervention survey group will answer 6 questions about their perception of the Chatbot prototype. Each of the 6 questions will be scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Investigators will calculate the mean value (and Standard Deviation) on a 1-5 scale for each question.
Time frame: Baseline (Before appointment with cancer physician); up to approximately 3 weeks after scheduling appointment
Acceptability - Percent of Participants with High Satisfaction Scores
Post-Intervention Survey Group only: In addition to the survey given to all participants, the post-intervention survey group will answer 6 questions about their perception of the Chatbot prototype. Each of the 6 questions will be scored on a scale from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). For each of the six questions, investigators will calculate the percentage of participants who strongly agree.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Evidence-based program developed by Cancer Support Community that helps patients actively engage in their treatment decision process by preparing them for their upcoming appointments.
Time frame: Baseline (Before appointment with cancer physician); up to approximately 3 weeks after scheduling appointment