JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

AI chatbots have the potential to assist individuals with long-term health conditions by providing tailored information, monitoring symptoms, and offering emotional support. Despite their potential benefits, research on public attitudes towards healthcare chatbots is still limited. To effectively support individuals with long-term health conditions like Long COVID, it is crucial to understand their perspectives and preferences regarding the use of AI chatbots.

Objective:

This study has two main objectives: 1) to explore the perceptions of individuals regarding the use of AI chatbots for chronic health management and Long-COVID support; 2) to provide technology developers with insights into health chatbot design and acceptance.

Methods:

A web-based survey study targeting individuals with chronic health conditions was conducted. This specific population was chosen due to their potential awareness and ability to self-manage their condition. The survey aimed to capture data at multiple intervals, considering that the public launch of ChatGPT took place during the project timeline and could impact public opinions. The survey attracted 1,310 clicks and 900 participants.

Results:

Less than a third of respondents indicated that they were likely to use a health chatbot in the next 12 months if available. Most were uncertainty about AI chatbot’s capability of providing accurate medical advice. However, people seemed more receptive of using voice-based chatbots for mental wellbeing, health data collection and analysis. Half of the respondents suffering from Long COVID showed interest in using emotionally intelligent chatbots.

Conclusions:

AI hesitancy is not uniform across all health domains and user groups. Despite the persistent AI hesitancy, there are promising opportunities for AI chatbots to offer support for chronic conditions in areas of mental well-being and lifestyle enhancement, potentially through the implementation of voice-based user interfaces.