Information needs and perceptions of chatbots for hypertension medication self-management: a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Digital Health
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Health Informatics

Background:

• Chatbots offer potential for interactive self-management interventions.
• Their role in hypertension and medication adherence remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore patient information needs and perceptions of chatbots for hypertension medication self-management.

Main Methods:

• Mixed methods study involving questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
• 15 adults with hypertension were purposively sampled.
• Quantitative data analyzed with descriptive statistics; qualitative data with applied thematic analysis.

Main Results:

• Participants expressed curiosity and perceived chatbots as humanlike.
• Most were interested in chatbots for medication management, refills, care team communication, and accountability.
• Concerns included information overload, privacy, and smartphone usability.

Conclusions:

• Patient needs align with existing self-management research.
• Chatbots perceived as valuable if customizable and integrated with patient portals or health apps.
• Interest in chatbots for hypertension self-management varied, informing future conversational interface design.