UPCC 11923 Staying Healthy with Follow-up Care: A Feasibility Study Utilizing a Chatbot (Penny) via Mobile Phones to Increase Compliance with Risk Based Survivorship Care (RBSC) among Adult Survivors of Pediatric and Young Adult Cancers
Exploring Methods to Enhance Follow-up Care for Cancer Survivors with a Chatbot
Brief description of study
The purpose of this project is to identify effective strategies to assist survivors of childhood and young adult cancers (diagnosed between birth and age 39) who have not returned for follow-up cancer care for 3 or more years, to reengage with the health care system. The investigator will evaluate the effect of a novel, bidirectional conversational agent ("Penny"), compared to usual care, to assist patients with scheduling appointments, lab work as well as scans and specialty appointments as needed.
Detailed description of study
To achieve this, the investigator will use a two-arm randomized controlled trial to explore how multilevel factors impact the acceptability and effectiveness of this strategy by collecting qualitative and quantitative data from patients. Penny is a conversational agent ("chatbot") that engages patients in real time via text messaging, allowing for bidirectional communication and motivational cues to promote adherence. The chatbot will assist patients who have not been see for cancer follow-up care, with scheduling follow-up appointments, labs, scans, specialty appointments, and monitor compliance with the appointments made.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Survivorship
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Age: 18 years or above
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult patient (age > 18 years), male or female, diagnosed with cancer as a child or as a young adult, between birth and 39 years of age
- Patient possession of a mobile device that can receive SMS texts
- Ability to respond to questions and engage with "Penny" in English
- Ability to provide informed consent to participate in the study
- Approval of the patient's oncology care team for the patient to be involved in the study
Exclusion Criteria:
- Anyone who does not meet the inclusion criteria
- Patients with a history of thyroid cancer or skin cancers
This study investigates ways to help adults who survived cancer as children or young adults to reconnect with their healthcare providers for follow-up care. The purpose of this study is to compare the use of a conversational agent, "Penny," with usual care methods. "Penny" is a chatbot designed to communicate with patients through text messages, assisting them in scheduling necessary healthcare appointments.
Participants in the study will interact with the chatbot, which will guide them in organizing follow-up appointments, lab tests, and other necessary medical procedures. The study will use a two-arm randomized controlled trial to gather data on how well this approach works and how it is received by participants. By providing real-time communication and motivational support, the chatbot aims to improve adherence to follow-up care.
- Who can participate: Adults over 18 who were diagnosed with cancer between birth and age 39 can participate. They must have a mobile device for text messages, communicate in English, and have oncology team approval.
- Study details: Participants will use a chatbot called 'Penny' to manage follow-up healthcare appointments. The chatbot will send text messages to assist in scheduling and reminding participants of appointments.
Study is selecting its participants from a population, or group of people, decided on by the researchers in advance.
Contact Abramson Cancer Center NavigatorPlease choose between Voice or SMS based delivery of verification code
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