General Practitioners' Perspectives on a Pre-Consultation Chatbot for Shared Decision-Making

Abstract

General practitioner (GP) consultations are the typical starting point for a patient's healthcare journey. Here, GPs aim to support and inform patients to enable a shared decision-making process. In this work we explore how an interactive chatbot, designed to prepare patients for their GP consultation, is perceived by GPs to impact patient consultations, patient-GP interaction, and their work. We conducted an in-depth evaluation and interview with 15 GPs from 12 different practices. Our findings provide insights into common challenges in shared decision-making, GP perspectives on the role of chatbots in preparing patients, and how chatbot technology could impact and transform general practice. Finally, we reflect on patient and GP agency in shared decision-making and the impact of technology on this complex relationship.