An Oncology Nurse AI Agent to Reduce Cancer Distress During Radiotherapy
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of the Digi-Coach chatbot for reducing physical and psychological distress in people undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The main question it aims to answer is: How effective is the Digi-Coach chatbot in reducing physical and psychological distress? Researchers will compare Digi-Coach chatbot to usual nursing care to see if Digi-Coach chatbot is effective for reducing physical and psychological distress in people undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Participants will have access to the Digi-Coach chatbot during radiotherapy in addition to usual care. The research nurse will provide training on how to navigate the chatbot and ask participants to query all their cancer-related concerns in the chatbot.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 and above * are able to read and speak Cantonese or Mandarin fluently * have a new, primary diagnosis of head and neck/laryngeal cancer * are waiting to receive a full course of curative-intent, external beam radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy * have a Karnofsky performance score ≥70 * have distress scored 3 or above on the NCCN distress thermometer Exclusion Criteria: * insufficient command of Chinese * have any other factors precluding the ability to give informed consent or comply with the protocol