Using a chatbot to help cataract patients make informed decisions
Effectiveness of Using Interactive Consulting System Based on Large Language Model to Enhance Informed Choice of Cataract Patients: a Non-inferiority Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if a chatbot can help cataract patients aged 45-80 make better decisions about their surgery options compared to talking with experienced eye doctors.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 660 (estimated) |
| Ages | 45 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Trial ID | NCT04246346 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of an interactive chatbot, designed using large language models, with senior ophthalmologists in assisting cataract patients to make informed decisions about their surgery options. Given the limited availability of trained ophthalmologists in China, many patients struggle to receive adequate consultations regarding their condition. The study aims to evaluate whether the chatbot can provide expert-level responses and enhance patient understanding and decision-making regarding cataract surgery. Participants will be individuals aged 45-80 diagnosed with age-related cataract who have not yet undergone surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45-80 with a diagnosis of age-related cataract who have not yet received cataract surgery.
Not a fit: Patients with bilateral blindness or other ocular disorders that prevent them from benefiting from cataract surgery will not receive benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could empower cataract patients with better information, leading to more informed decisions about their treatment options.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of chatbots in healthcare is emerging, this specific approach to enhance informed decision-making for cataract surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Individuals aged 45-80 years who have been resident in the selected study district for more than six months; 2. A definite diagnosis of age-related cataract; 3. Having not received cataract surgery; 4. Willing to participate the study and provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Bilateral blindness (presenting distance visual acuity worse than 3/60); 2. Having ocular, hearing or mental disorders precluding reading or telephone interview; 3. Ocular disorders other than cataract leading to permanent vision loss that could not be corrected through cataract surgery; 4. Having cataract surgery contraindication.
Where this trial is running
Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Zhognshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University — Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yingfeng Zheng, MD, PhD — Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University
- Study coordinator: Yingfeng Zheng, MD, PhD
- Email: zhyfeng@mail.sysu.edu.cn
- Phone: +8613922286455
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.