Using virtual agents to help cancer patients understand their health outcomes
Improving PRO Interpretation at the Individual Level for Patients with Cancer using Conversational Agents and Data Visualization
['FUNDING_R01'] · TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11045005
This study is all about helping cancer patients better understand their health and feelings by using friendly virtual characters that chat with them, making it easier for everyone, especially those who might struggle with medical terms, to share and interpret their symptoms and well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11045005 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving how cancer patients interpret their health-related quality of life through patient-reported outcomes (PROs). It utilizes embodied conversational agents (ECAs), which are virtual characters that engage patients in conversation, helping them better understand and respond to questions about their symptoms, mood, and overall well-being. The approach aims to enhance communication, especially for those with low health literacy or cognitive challenges, by providing a more interactive and empathetic experience. By integrating data visualization, the research seeks to make the interpretation of PROs more accessible and reliable for individual patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are cancer patients who may have difficulty understanding traditional health assessments due to low health literacy or cognitive impairments.
Not a fit: Patients who are not undergoing cancer treatment or those with high health literacy may not receive significant benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could empower cancer patients to better communicate their health experiences, leading to improved care and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using conversational agents for enhancing patient engagement and understanding in various health contexts, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PAASCHE-ORLOW, MICHAEL — TUFTS MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: PAASCHE-ORLOW, MICHAEL
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, anti-cancer drug, anti-cancer therapy