Patient-centered Development of the Cancer Support Community's Open to Options ®Chatbot Program

Patient-centered Development of the Cancer Support Community's Open to Options ®Chatbot Program Cancer Treatment Support in Partnership With the Cancer Support Community

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with a cancer diagnosis
• Able to speak and read English, and willing to electronically consent
• Appointment with a Rogel Cancer Center cancer clinician within the next 3 weeks
• Patient must have a way to access the internet (includes mobile phone)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age <18 years
• Inability to speak or read English
• Inability to give informed consent