MARVIN Chatbots for Health Information

A Master Research Protocol to Adapt and Evaluate an Artificial Intelligence Based Conversational Agent to Provide Information for Different Health Conditions: the MARVIN Chatbots

Not applicable Interventional McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre · NCT05789901

This study is testing a new chatbot designed to provide helpful health information for people with different health conditions, like breast cancer and pediatric emergencies, to see how well it works for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages14 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05789901 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research focuses on adapting the MARVIN chatbot, originally developed for HIV patients, to provide information for various health conditions such as breast cancer and pediatric emergency medicine. The study employs an adaptive platform trial design, allowing for flexibility in testing multiple chatbot interventions tailored to different populations. Researchers will evaluate the usability and implementation outcomes of these chatbots through co-construction with participants, ensuring the tools meet their needs and encourage ongoing use. The study aims to gather data on factors that influence the effectiveness of the chatbots in real-world scenarios.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 14 and older who are fluent in English or French and have access to a smartphone or computer.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria or have cognitive deficits may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could enhance patient engagement and adherence to treatment through accessible health information provided by chatbots.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using chatbots for health information, indicating potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for all objectives:

* being 14 years or older;
* being fluent in English and/or French;
* being able to understand the requirements of study participation and provide informed consent during the duration of the study;
* having access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer at home/at workplace;
* having access to an internet connection at home or data plan on their device.

Inclusion Criteria Specific to objectives 2 and 3:

* accept to use a Facebook Messenger-based Chatbot;
* accept to use or create a personal Facebook account;
* accept Facebook's privacy and data security policies.

Exclusion Criteria:

* not meeting the inclusion criteria
* any reason, in the opinion of the investigator, which would make the candidate inappropriate for participation in an investigative study involving a chatbot (e.g., cognitive deficit)

Where this trial is running

Montreal, Quebec and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HIV InfectionsBreast CancerPediatric Emergency MedicineChatbotIntelligent Conversational AgentCo-ConstructionAdherenceAntiretroviral Therapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.