AI pharmacy chatbot for adults with high blood sugar, blood pressure, or cholesterol in Hong Kong
Developing an AI Pharmacy Chatbot for the Population of Hong Kong
We will test a WhatsApp AI pharmacy chatbot that answers Hospital Authority–prescribed medication questions for adults in Hong Kong with hyperglycaemia, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia and their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Hong Kong and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07037563 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The team will build an AI chatbot using natural language processing and the Hospital Authority drug database, incorporating input from the Chief Pharmacist's Office. A proof-of-concept phase with HA pharmacists will validate and refine the chatbot's medication answers. Then at least 280 patients or caregivers will be recruited and randomised to use the chatbot on WhatsApp for seven days or to a control group with no chatbot access. Primary outcomes include user satisfaction, medication adherence, medication knowledge, and pharmacist consultation time, with power calculated to detect an increase in adherence from about 62% to 80%.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) in Hong Kong who are prescribed Hospital Authority medications for hyperglycaemia, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia, or their adult caregivers, are eligible to participate.
Not a fit: People who cannot use WhatsApp, who are not prescribed HA medications for the listed conditions, or whose questions fall outside the chatbot's validated scope may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chatbot could provide quick, validated medication answers that improve patient knowledge and adherence while reducing time spent with pharmacists.
How similar studies have performed: Previous health chatbot studies have shown promise for improving information access and adherence in some settings, but pharmacy chatbots linked to hospital drug databases remain relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients aged 18 years or older diagnosed with either hyperglycaemia, hypertension, or hyperlipidaemia, and currently receiving medication prescribed by the Hospital Authority in Hong Kong. * Caregivers aged 18 years or older for patients described above. Exclusion Criteria: * There is no exclusion criterion, but they should meet the inclusion criteria above.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong and 1 other locations
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
- The University of Hong Kong — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joseph Wu, PhD — The University of Hong Kong
- Study coordinator: Joseph Wu, PhD
- Email: hkusph@hku.hk
- Phone: +852 3917 6709
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.