Improving PRO for Patients with Cancer Using ECAs and Data Visualization

Launched by TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER · Jul 6, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new tool designed to improve communication with cancer patients by using a computer character called an embodied conversational agent (ECA). This character can talk, gesture, and respond in a way that feels like a real conversation. The goal is to see if using this technology can help patients better understand their treatment and provide more accurate information about their health. The trial will focus on patients with gastrointestinal or head and neck cancers who are currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

To be eligible for the study, participants need to be at least 18 years old, able to read and speak English, and have good enough vision and hearing to use the ECA system. Additionally, they must not be planning to leave the Boston area in the near future or be currently incarcerated. If you join this trial, you can expect to interact with the ECA and provide feedback on your experience, which will help researchers understand how effective this tool is in supporting patients during their treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • At least 18 years of age or older
• • Able to read and speak english
• • Can independently consent
• • Must have adequate corrected vision to use the ECA system (based on a 1 minute ECA functional screener)
• • Must have adequate hearing to use the ECA system.
• • Has a diagnosis of gastrointestinal cancer or head and neck cancer for which they are currently receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
• • Provider subjects must be practicing oncologists at BMC.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • If the subject is incarcerated
• • If the subject plans to leave the Boston area in the next 6 weeks
• • Is not able to use the ECA screener