Information-providing Chatbot

The Development and Evaluation of a Co-designed, AI-based Information-providing Chatbot for Sarcoma Patients: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

This study aims to develop and examine the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of an AI-based sarcoma chatbot building on ChatGPT (ASCC) to address the information needs of sarcoma patients. We hypothesized: 1) the ASCC will demonstrate good usability; 2) the study will be feasible in terms of all feasibility indicators; 3) the experimental group will report improved satisfaction and self-efficacy, decreased anxiety and stress than the control groups upon completion of the intervention. The ASCC will be developed using a co-design approach. A pilot randomized controlled trial will then be conducted in the three oncology wards of collaborative hospitals. Seventy-eight sarcoma patients will be recruited and randomized to the experimental group (n=39) and the control group (n=39). The experimental group will use the ASCC available 24/7 via voice or text for disease-related questions for one month while the control group will receive usual care.

Inclusion Criteria:

• (1) diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma;
• (2) receiving active treatment at any stage;
• (3) aged≥18 years;
• (4) able to speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English;
• (5) access to an electronic device enabling ASCC use

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) patients with unstable physical or mental conditions;
• (2) inability to communicate logically;
• (3) using chatbots (e.g., ChatGPT, Deepseek) for sarcoma information in the last month;
• (4) mental health disorders documented by the medical system