The Perspectives of Women and Their Health-Care Providers Regarding Using an ECA to Support Mode of Birth Decisions

Overview

Journal J Perinat Educ

Publisher Springer

Date 2022 Mar 21

PMID 35311197

Authors

Somphit Chinkam

Courtney Steer-Massaro

Ivan Herbey

Zhe Zhang

Timothy Bickmore

Allison Shorten

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

This study used focus groups to assess the feasibility and acceptability of adapting an Embodied Conversational Agent (ECA) to support decision-making about mode of birth after previous cesarean. Twelve women with previous cesareans, and eight prenatal providers at an academic, tertiary-care medical center, viewed a prototype ECA and were asked to share feedback on the potential role in helping women prepare for decision-making. Both groups felt that although it was somewhat "robot-like," the ECA could provide for patients and could with providers. Future work is needed to improve ECA visual appeal and clarify the role and timing for utilization of decision aids using ECA technology to enhance the shared decision-making process.

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