Work

Comparing patients’ perceptions and cognitive and emotional responses to pretest cancer genetic services delivered via chatbot vs standard of care: Findings from the BRIDGE trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose Chatbots are increasingly delivering genetic services, and we have shown equivalence between chatbot and standard of care (SOC) in uptake of pre-test genetic services and genetic testing. Here we compared patients' perceptions and cognitive and emotional responses to these two service delivery models. Methods Unaffected primary care patients aged 25-60 meeting family history-based criteria for genetic evaluation were randomized 1:1 to chatbot or SOC arms. Four weeks after completing genetic services, we surveyed participants to assess their perceptions and cognitive and emotional responses, comparing these between arms using one-way ANCOVAs and logistic regressions, adjusting for demographic and clinical covariates. Results Participants (n=189) had highly or moderately positive perceptions of services and cognitive and emotional responses, and these were similar between arms. However, chatbot participants reported statistically significantly lower satisfaction with counseling ( p =.026) and education ( p =.005), attention maintenance ( p =.001), and emotional support ( p <.001) than SOC participants. Among those who received testing, chatbot participants reported significantly lower perceived utility ( p =.044) and lower distress ( p =.025) related to test results. Conclusion Patients reported positive perceptions and responses to both standard-of-care and chatbot-delivered genetic services. However, enhancing emotional responsiveness and personalization may further improve experience and perceived utility with chatbots.

Source: Genetics in Medicine Open

DOI: 10.1016/j.gimo.2026.104498