Effect of an artificial intelligence-based chatbot on self-care management of coronary artery disease patients

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Consequently, effective self-care management is crucial for improving clinical outcomes and quality of life of CAD patients. Accordingly, Artificial intelligence (AI) -powered chatbots, present promising tools that can function as a virtual nurse that deliver continuous support, personalized education and reinforce adherence to behavior modification strategies that promote CAD patients' self-care. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of an artificial intelligence-based chatbot on self-care management of coronary artery disease patients. Subjects and Method: A Quasi-experimental (pre–posttest with follow-up) was utilized in the current study. the study conducted in cardiology unit and outpatient clinic at Al-Azhar University Hospital in New Damietta, Egypt. A purposive sample of 95 adult patients diagnosed with CAD, able to use mobile and its applications were recruited for this study. The tools used to collect data were: structured interview , self-care of coronary heart disease inventory (SC-CHDI) version 3. Results: The study revealed a significant improvement in all self-care domains following the implementation of the artificial intelligence–based chatbot (p < 0.001). The mean total self-care score increased from 51.80 ± 6.72 at baseline to 68.23 ± 5.86 immediately post-intervention and 79.09 ± 4.66 after three months. Specifically, self-care maintenance improved from 26.99 ± 3.47 to 31.15 ± 3.53 immediately and 35.77 ± 3.18 after three months. Self-care management increased from 11.27 ± 2.38 to 18.35 ± 1.95 and 22.00 ± 1.63, while self-care confidence rose from 13.54 ± 2.79 to 18.74 ± 2.56 and 21.33 ± 1.93 over the same periods. Conclusion: AI chatbot significantly improved all measured self-care domains among CAD patients and enhanced patients’ self-care over time. Recommendations: Combine AI-based chatbot with wearable monitoring devices (e.g., heart rate monitors) for real-time feedback,ongoing training for nurses about AI integration, and larger randomized trials.