Better Results with AI for Thoracic Health (BREATH-P)

The BREATH-P Study is exploring whether artificial intelligence (AI) technology can help improve conversations about lung cancer screening between patients and healthcare providers. The study focuses on using an AI-powered tool called the Aipaca Chatbot to help patients understand their eligibility for lung cancer screening and prepare for discussions with their care team.

Principal Investigators

• Zsolt Nagykaldi, PhD, BTh (PRIME-OK Hub)
• Rebecca Reece, MD, FACP (West Virginia University)
• Ruosi Shao, PhD (Florida State University)
• Mark Doescher, MD, MSPH (PRIME-OK Hub)
• Chongle Pan, PhD (University of Oklahoma)
• Juell Homco, PhD (PRIME-OK Hub)
• Tim VanWagoner, PhD (PRIME-OK Hub)

Why This Study Matters

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Research shows that screening can reduce deaths from lung cancer, yet many eligible patients are never screened. This challenge is especially significant in rural and underserved communities, including parts of Oklahoma. 

The BREATH-P Study is testing whether AI-assisted education and shared decision-making tools can help more eligible patients receive appropriate lung cancer screening and smoking cessation support. 

Study Goals

Researchers aim to determine whether the chatbot:

1. Can be successfully implemented in everyday primary care settings.
2. Is useful, trustworthy, and easy to use for patients.
3. Improves conversations about lung cancer screening and supports informed healthcare decisions. 

Recruitment and Eligibility

The study is recruiting adults who may be eligible for lung cancer screening and receive care through participating primary care clinics in Oklahoma and West Virginia. Researchers are also gathering feedback from participating clinicians and clinic staff. 

What Participation Involves

Participants may:

• Complete a phone-based conversation with the AI-powered Aipaca chatbot before a healthcare visit.
• Receive educational information about lung cancer screening.
• Discuss screening options with their healthcare provider during their regular clinic visit.
• Complete follow-up surveys about their experience. 

Researchers will also review healthcare records, with appropriate permissions, to understand whether screening and related services were completed. 

Study Visits and Timeline

BREATH-P is designed to fit into routine primary care visits. Most study activities occur before, during, and after a regularly scheduled healthcare appointment, with follow-up information collected over time. 

Potential Benefits

Participants may:

• Learn more about lung cancer screening.
• Feel better prepared for conversations with their healthcare provider.
• Receive personalized information that supports informed healthcare decisions.
• Help researchers improve tools that may benefit future patients.