Improving symptom management in endometriosis: Development and Evaluation of an AI-Driven Interactive (Chatbot) Patient Decision Aid
Endometriosis is a chronic, oestrogen-dependent, and inflammatory gynaecological disease affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-age women. Characterised by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, it leads to a wide spectrum of symptoms and associated conditions, including pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia, often coupled with fatigue, infertility, depression, and anxiety. The complex nature of endometriosis results in a significant impact on patients’ quality of life. While advancements in symptom management have expanded treatment options, the challenge now lies in delivering precise, individualised recommendations that address the multifaceted nature of the disease.
This project aims to develop and evaluate the usability, accessibility, acceptability and feasibility of an AI-driven interactive patient decision aid (patient facing chatbot and care team interface) made available through a website. Using a woman’s demographic profile, current clinical guidelines and evidence-based information, including but not limited to the Vaud University Hospital (CHUV) endometriosis website, a comprehensive AI-driven endometriosis patient decision aid (PtDA) will present symptom management options such as hormonal therapy, surgery, manual therapies, pain management consultations, and psychotherapy. It will provide personalised, multilingual information to empower women aged 18-49 to make informed decisions, incorporating both medical and non-medical approaches, with a focus on fertility concerns and addressing the unique needs of socially disadvantaged women.
The research team will use a mixed-methods, participatory, and user-centred approach in collaboration with multidisciplinary stakeholders. The project comprises three studies:
- Scoping and Design: Identification of information and decision-support needs using the Photovoice method (15–20 women with endometriosis).
- Prototype Development and Alpha Testing: Focus groups and think-aloud sessions with women with endometriosis (15–20) and clinicians (8–12) to optimise usability and functionality of the PtDA.
- Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial: Assessment of the feasibility of a future large-scale RCT and evaluation of the chatbot’s usability, accessibility, and acceptability in real-world conditions (60 participants).