Patient Preferences in Empathetic Communication by AI vs Human Authorship

Launched by MAYO CLINIC · Feb 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how patients feel about receiving empathetic communication from either artificial intelligence (AI) or humans. The researchers want to know if patients have different preferences when they know who is communicating with them versus when they don't. This is important because understanding patient preferences can help improve communication in healthcare settings, especially in palliative care, where emotional support is vital.

To participate, you need to be over 18 years old and currently receiving care for cancer at a palliative care clinic. Some people may not be eligible, including those who cannot give consent due to mental health issues or those who can't read in English. If you decide to join, you can expect to share your thoughts on the communication you receive and help researchers learn more about what works best for patients. This study is not yet recruiting, so it will be important to check back for updates if you're interested.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients over the age of 18 being seen in palliative care clinic who have already established care and with diagnosis of any malignancy
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to consent defined as: Acute mental status changes (delirium/encephalopathy), acute substance intoxication, intellectual disability, dementia, patient with active legal guardian
• • Major psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, active substance use disorder, and patients with active suicidal or homicidal thoughts.
• • NOTE: Patients with history of normal grieving reactions, major unipolar depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder or generalized anxiety disorder would NOT be excluded.
• • Inability to read in English