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Laymouna M, Ma Y, Lessard D, Schuster T, Engler K, Lebouché B. Roles, Users, Benefits, and Limitations of Chatbots in Health Care: Rapid Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e56930. [PMID: 39042446 PMCID: PMC11303905 DOI: 10.2196/56930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chatbots, or conversational agents, have emerged as significant tools in health care, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and digital technology. These programs are designed to simulate human conversations, addressing various health care needs. However, no comprehensive synthesis of health care chatbots' roles, users, benefits, and limitations is available to inform future research and application in the field. OBJECTIVE This review aims to describe health care chatbots' characteristics, focusing on their diverse roles in the health care pathway, user groups, benefits, and limitations. METHODS A rapid review of published literature from 2017 to 2023 was performed with a search strategy developed in collaboration with a health sciences librarian and implemented in the MEDLINE and Embase databases. Primary research studies reporting on chatbot roles or benefits in health care were included. Two reviewers dual-screened the search results. Extracted data on chatbot roles, users, benefits, and limitations were subjected to content analysis. RESULTS The review categorized chatbot roles into 2 themes: delivery of remote health services, including patient support, care management, education, skills building, and health behavior promotion, and provision of administrative assistance to health care providers. User groups spanned across patients with chronic conditions as well as patients with cancer; individuals focused on lifestyle improvements; and various demographic groups such as women, families, and older adults. Professionals and students in health care also emerged as significant users, alongside groups seeking mental health support, behavioral change, and educational enhancement. The benefits of health care chatbots were also classified into 2 themes: improvement of health care quality and efficiency and cost-effectiveness in health care delivery. The identified limitations encompassed ethical challenges, medicolegal and safety concerns, technical difficulties, user experience issues, and societal and economic impacts. CONCLUSIONS Health care chatbots offer a wide spectrum of applications, potentially impacting various aspects of health care. While they are promising tools for improving health care efficiency and quality, their integration into the health care system must be approached with consideration of their limitations to ensure optimal, safe, and equitable use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moustafa Laymouna
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yuanchao Ma
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic and Viral Illness Service, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - David Lessard
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic and Viral Illness Service, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Tibor Schuster
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kim Engler
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic and Viral Illness Service, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bertrand Lebouché
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic and Viral Illness Service, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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KARLAN BETHY. Improving the Lives of Women With Ovarian Cancer. Clin Obstet Gynecol 2024; 67:347-351. [PMID: 38230704 PMCID: PMC11047303 DOI: 10.1097/grf.0000000000000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Being a gynecologic oncologist is a privilege. Women with cancer address their challenges with grit and resilience. Their most basic questions motivated my career-long search for scientific answers hidden in genetics, novel therapeutics, and cancer prevention. But medicine is a team sport. Working alongside gifted colleagues and mentoring trainees to assume starring roles on the team has sustained and enriched my career. Advocating for patients and the specialty of gynecologic oncology provided another means to advance research and cancer awareness to improve patient outcomes. The author believe the most exciting times are yet to come.
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Rodriguez NJ, Furniss CS, Yurgelun MB, Ukaegbu C, Constantinou PE, Fortes I, Caruso A, Schwartz AN, Stopfer JE, Underhill-Blazey M, Kenner B, Nelson SH, Okumura S, Zhou AY, Coffin TB, Uno H, Horiguchi M, Ocean AJ, McAllister F, Lowy AM, Klein AP, Madlensky L, Petersen GM, Garber JE, Lippman SM, Goggins MG, Maitra A, Syngal S. A Randomized Trial of Two Remote Health Care Delivery Models on the Uptake of Genetic Testing and Impact on Patient-Reported Psychological Outcomes in Families With Pancreatic Cancer: The Genetic Education, Risk Assessment, and Testing (GENERATE) Study. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:872-885.e2. [PMID: 38320723 PMCID: PMC11034726 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2024.01.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Genetic testing uptake for cancer susceptibility in family members of patients with cancer is suboptimal. Among relatives of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), The GENetic Education, Risk Assessment, and TEsting (GENERATE) study evaluated 2 online genetic education/testing delivery models and their impact on patient-reported psychological outcomes. METHODS Eligible participants had ≥1 first-degree relative with PDAC, or ≥1 first-/second-degree relative with PDAC with a known pathogenic germline variant in 1 of 13 PDAC predisposition genes. Participants were randomized by family, between May 8, 2019, and June 1, 2021. Arm 1 participants underwent a remote interactive telemedicine session and online genetic education. Arm 2 participants were offered online genetic education only. All participants were offered germline testing. The primary outcome was genetic testing uptake, compared by permutation tests and mixed-effects logistic regression models. We hypothesized that Arm 1 participants would have a higher genetic testing uptake than Arm 2. Validated surveys were administered to assess patient-reported anxiety, depression, and cancer worry at baseline and 3 months postintervention. RESULTS A total of 424 families were randomized, including 601 participants (n = 296 Arm 1; n = 305 Arm 2), 90% of whom completed genetic testing (Arm 1 [87%]; Arm 2 [93%], P = .014). Arm 1 participants were significantly less likely to complete genetic testing compared with Arm 2 participants (adjusted ratio [Arm1/Arm2] 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.78-0.98). Among participants who completed patient-reported psychological outcomes questionnaires (Arm 1 [n = 194]; Arm 2 [n = 206]), the intervention did not affect mean anxiety, depression, or cancer worry scores. CONCLUSIONS Remote genetic education and testing can be a successful and complementary option for delivering genetics care. (Clinicaltrials.gov, number NCT03762590).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolette J Rodriguez
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - C Sloane Furniss
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Matthew B Yurgelun
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Chinedu Ukaegbu
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Pamela E Constantinou
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott H Nelson
- Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Volunteer, Patient Advocate, and Pancreatic Cancer Survivor
| | | | | | - Tara B Coffin
- WIRB-Copernicus Group Institutional Review Board, Puyallup, Washington
| | - Hajime Uno
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Miki Horiguchi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Florencia McAllister
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Andrew M Lowy
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, San Diego, California
| | - Alison P Klein
- Johns Hopkins University, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Lisa Madlensky
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, San Diego, California
| | | | - Judy E Garber
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Michael G Goggins
- Johns Hopkins University, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Sheikh Ahmed Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Sapna Syngal
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts; Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Hodan R, Kingham K, Kurian AW. Recurrent BRCA2 exon 3 deletion in Assyrian families. J Med Genet 2024; 61:155-157. [PMID: 37657917 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
We identified six patients from five families with a recurrent mutation: NM_000059.3 (BRCA2) exon 3 deletion. All families self-identified as Assyrian. Assyrians are an ethnoreligious population of ancient Mesopotamia, now mostly living in modern day Iraq, Syria, Turkey and Iran. They are historically a socially isolated population with intermarriage within their community, living as a religious and language minority in mostly Muslim countries. The probands of each family presented with a classic BRCA2-associated cancer including early-onset breast cancer, epithelial serous ovarian cancer, male breast cancer and/or high-grade prostate cancer, and family history that was also significant for BRCA2-associated cancer. BRCA2 exon 3 deletion is classified as pathogenic and has been previously described in the literature, but it has not been described as a founder mutation in a particular population. We characterise this recurrent BRCA2 pathogenic variant in five Assyrian families in a single centre cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Hodan
- Cancer Genetics, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kerry Kingham
- Cancer Genetics, Stanford Health Care, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Pediatrics (Genetics), Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Allison W Kurian
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Webster EM, Ahsan MD, Perez L, Levi SR, Thomas C, Christos P, Hickner A, Hamilton JG, Babagbemi K, Cantillo E, Holcomb K, Chapman-Davis E, Sharaf RN, Frey MK. Chatbot Artificial Intelligence for Genetic Cancer Risk Assessment and Counseling: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JCO Clin Cancer Inform 2023; 7:e2300123. [PMID: 37934933 PMCID: PMC10730073 DOI: 10.1200/cci.23.00123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most individuals with a hereditary cancer syndrome are unaware of their genetic status to underutilization of hereditary cancer risk assessment. Chatbots, or programs that use artificial intelligence to simulate conversation, have emerged as a promising tool in health care and, more recently, as a potential tool for genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling. Here, we evaluated the existing literature on the use of chatbots in genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling. METHODS A systematic review was conducted using key electronic databases to identify studies which use chatbots for genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling. Eligible studies were further subjected to meta-analysis. RESULTS Seven studies met inclusion criteria, evaluating five distinct chatbots. Three studies evaluated a chatbot that could perform genetic cancer risk assessment, one study evaluated a chatbot that offered patient counseling, and three studies included both functions. The pooled estimated completion rate for the genetic cancer risk assessment was 36.7% (95% CI, 14.8 to 65.9). Two studies included comprehensive patient characteristics, and none involved a comparison group. Chatbots varied as to the involvement of a health care provider in the process of risk assessment and counseling. CONCLUSION Chatbots have been used to streamline genetic cancer risk assessment and counseling and hold promise for reducing barriers to genetic services. Data regarding user and nonuser characteristics are lacking, as are data regarding comparative effectiveness to usual care. Future research may consider the impact of chatbots on equitable access to genetic services.
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Underkofler KA, Ring KL. Updates in gynecologic care for individuals with lynch syndrome. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1127683. [PMID: 36937421 PMCID: PMC10014618 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1127683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Lynch syndrome is an autosomal dominant hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline pathogenic variants (PVs) in DNA mismatch repair genes (MLH1, MSH2, PMS2, MSH6) or the EPCAM gene. It is estimated to affect 1 in 300 individuals and confers a lifetime risk of cancer of 10-90%, depending on the specific variant and type of cancer. Lynch syndrome is the most common cause of inherited colorectal cancer, but for women, endometrial cancer is more likely to be the sentinel cancer. There is also evidence that certain PVs causing Lynch syndrome confer an increased risk of ovarian cancer, while the risk of ovarian cancer in others is not well defined. Given this, it is essential for the practicing gynecologist and gynecologic oncologist to remain up to date on the latest techniques in identification and diagnosis of individuals with Lynch syndrome as well as evidence-based screening and risk reduction recommendations for those impacted. Furthermore, as the landscape of gynecologic cancer treatment shifts towards treatment based on molecular classification of tumors, knowledge of targeted therapies well-suited for mismatch repair deficient Lynch tumors will be crucial. The objective of this review is to highlight recent updates in the literature regarding identification and management of individuals with Lynch syndrome as it pertains to endometrial and ovarian cancers to allow gynecologic providers the opportunity to both prevent and identify Lynch-associated cancers earlier, thereby reducing the morbidity and mortality of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kari L. Ring
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Mighton C, Shickh S, Aguda V, Krishnapillai S, Adi-Wauran E, Bombard Y. From the patient to the population: Use of genomics for population screening. Front Genet 2022; 13:893832. [PMID: 36353115 PMCID: PMC9637971 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.893832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic medicine is expanding from a focus on diagnosis at the patient level to prevention at the population level given the ongoing under-ascertainment of high-risk and actionable genetic conditions using current strategies, particularly hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC), Lynch Syndrome (LS) and familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). The availability of large-scale next-generation sequencing strategies and preventive options for these conditions makes it increasingly feasible to screen pre-symptomatic individuals through public health-based approaches, rather than restricting testing to high-risk groups. This raises anew, and with urgency, questions about the limits of screening as well as the moral authority and capacity to screen for genetic conditions at a population level. We aimed to answer some of these critical questions by using the WHO Wilson and Jungner criteria to guide a synthesis of current evidence on population genomic screening for HBOC, LS, and FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Mighton
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Salma Shickh
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vernie Aguda
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Centre for Medical Education, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Suvetha Krishnapillai
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ella Adi-Wauran
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yvonne Bombard
- Genomics Health Services Research Program, St. Michael’s Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Frey MK, Finch A, Kulkarni A, Akbari MR, Chapman-Davis E. Genetic Testing for All: Overcoming Disparities in Ovarian Cancer Genetic Testing. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2022; 42:1-12. [PMID: 35452249 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_350292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Nearly 3% of the population carries genetic variants that lead to conditions that include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and Lynch syndrome. These pathogenic variants account for approximately 20% of ovarian cancer cases, and those with germline pathogenic variants have an odds ratio between 4 and 40 for developing ovarian cancer compared with noncarriers. Given the high prevalence of genetic variants, multiple organizations, including ASCO, recommend universal genetic counseling and testing for women diagnosed with epithelial ovarian cancer. Unfortunately, most individuals with a hereditary ovarian cancer syndrome are unaware of their underlying mutation, and racial and ethnic minority individuals as well as patients of low socioeconomic status experience disproportionate rates of underrecognition, leading to late and missed diagnoses. In this article, we review the current understanding of disparities in genetic testing for people with ovarian cancer, the role of population-based genetic testing, and innovative strategies to overcome the critical inequities present in current cancer genetic medicine. Underuse and disparities related to accessing recommended genetic services are complex and multifactorial, requiring improvements in processes related to provider identification, genetic counseling and testing referral, and patient uptake/adherence. Through the expansion of remote genetic counseling, offering online strategies for genetic testing, and reaching at-risk relatives through direct relative contact cascade testing and population-based genetic testing, there are a growing number of innovations in the field of genetic medicine, many of which emphasize health equity and offer promising alternatives to the current paradigm of genetic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa K Frey
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Amy Finch
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amita Kulkarni
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Mohammad R Akbari
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eloise Chapman-Davis
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY
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