JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Conversational agents or chatbots are computer programs that simulate conversations with users. Conversational agents are increasingly used for delivery of behavior change interventions in healthcare. Behavior change is complex and comprises of one of more components known as behavioral change techniques (BCTs).

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to identify which behavior change techniques are used in behavior change-focused interventions delivered via conversational agents in healthcare.

Methods:

This scoping review will be performed in line with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA ScR guidelines. We will perform a comprehensive search of electronic databases and grey literature sources and check the reference list of included studies for additional relevant studies. The screening and data extraction will be performed independently and in parallel by two review authors. Discrepancies will be resolved through consensus or discussion with a third review author. We will use a data extraction form congruent with the key themes and aims of this scoping review. BCTs employed in the included studies will be coded in line with the BCT Taxonomy v1. We will analyze the data qualitatively and present it in diagrammatic or tabular form, alongside a narrative summary.

Results:

To date, we have designed the search strategy and performed the search strategy on 26 April 2021. The articles first round of screening is due to start soon.

Conclusions:

Using appropriate behavior change techniques in the design of healthcare interventions delivery via conversational agents is essential to improve long term outcomes. Our findings will serve to inform the development of future interventions in this area. Clinical Trial: This protocol was registered in Open Science Framework (OSF) Registries (osf.io/487jd)