Abstract

A Feasibility Study to introduce an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) on a tablet computer into a group medical visit

Kelly Mccue, MPH1, Amenah Shamekhi, PhD(c)2, Timothy Bickmore, PhD2, Denise Crooks, MPH3, Katherine Gergen Barnett, MD3, Niina Haas4, Gwynneth Johnson3 and Paula Gardiner, MD, MPH5
(1)Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, (2)Northeastern University, Boston, MA, (3)Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, (4)Bright Outcome, Buffalo Grove, IL, (5)Boston University Medical Center, Boston, MA

2015 APHA Annual Meeting & Expo (Oct. 31 - Nov. 4, 2015)

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of introducing a tablet computer with an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) into an integrative medical group visit (IMGV) for patients with chronic pain and depression.

 

Methods: This prospective observational cohort study enrolled 20 participants who were attending an integrative medicine group visit. Patients attended a 9-session integrative medical group visit and received a tablet computer with an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA). Participants were encouraged to interact with the ECA between groups at home. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline and 9 weeks. We recorded socio-demographics and feasibility outcomes including ECA helpfulness, satisfaction with the ECA, areas of interest for the ECA to discuss (nutrition and stress) and what could be improved about the ECA.

 

Results: All participants receive their primary care in inner city outpatient clinics; the average age of participants was 47; 13 participants identified as African American and 3 as Latino; 16 participants with an annual income under $30,000; 12 participants were on disability. Of the participants who completed surveys, 100% reported they used the ECA’s suggestions to reduce stress; 89% used the ECA’s suggestions to eat healthier; 67% said they were extremely confident they could continue to use the ECA’s recommendations post-study. Sixty seven percent said it was easy to talk with the ECA; 78% said they trusted the ECA very much; 44% said they would prefer the ECA over speaking with a clinician; and 89% said they would definitely recommend the ECA to a friend. Emerging themes included participants’ feeling like the ECA was a friend and someone to talk and relate to, ability to use the ECA whenever they wanted (accessibility), ability to dive deeper into curriculum at their own pace and review material with the ECA when needed.

Conclusions: It is feasible to introduce an ECA into a 9-week IMGV program for an underserved patient population with chronic pain and depression.

Chronic disease management and prevention Diversity and culture