About this 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.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
(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;
Disqualifiers
(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
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- ASCC (sarcoma-specific AI chatbot)
- Routine Clinical Care
Treatment groups
Locations
Sponsors and collaborators
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Lead sponsor
Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Collaborator
Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
Collaborator
Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
Collaborator