Examining patient preferences in the delivery of healthcare education.

12113 Background: Important component of patient-centered care includes providing patient education. While traditionally provided on paper, electronic methods are becoming increasingly common. In this study, we evaluated a socially assistive robot (SAR Robot) delivering education information to patients via narration of a video, compared with same information provided via a paper-based brochure (Brochure). Methods: The study was a 2-arm, unblinded, randomized trial with a cross-over design, approved by local IRB. Arm 1 was Brochure first, followed by SAR Robot, and Arm 2 was SAR Robot first, followed by a paper Brochure. Questionnaires were completed after each step. The education information provided was on "Diet and Cancer", and the Brochure and the SAR Robot video were adapted from the same script developed by the study authors. Likert scale was used to assess effectiveness of each method and the enjoyment of the SAR Robot experience. Statistics were performed to assess for significance. Results: Between 2021 and 2023, 129 patients were enrolled at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, randomized to Arm 1 (n=64) vs Arm 2 (n=65); 122 patients were analyzable. There were no differences in demographics. Brochure was judged to be Very Effective by 50% in Arm 1 (Brochure first) and 63% in Arm 2 (Brochure second). SAR Robot was judged to be Very Effective by 60% in Arm 1 and 60% in Arm 2. Composite rates of Effective or Very Effective were 97% for Brochure and 88% for Robot SAR. Patients and guests preferred Brochure in 27% in Arm 1 and 17% in Arm 2. They preferred the SAR Robot in 39% in Arm 1 and 42% in Arm 2. They preferred both in 34% and 42%, and of these majority preferred the SAR Robot for explanation and Brochure to take home. There was no statistical difference between arms in effectiveness. There were no differences across demographics. Answering the "My experience with the SAR Robot today was enjoyable" question, 47% of patients responded Strongly Agree, and further 41% responded Agree, 11% were Neutral, and only 1% responded Disagree. There was a significant correlation between enjoying the SAR Robot experience and effectiveness of the SAR Robot; there was no correlation between enjoying the SAR Robot experience and effectiveness of the Brochure. There was no statistical correlation between enjoying the SAR Rabot experience and demographics. Conclusions: Patient reported no significant difference in effectiveness of obtaining education information via a standard paper brochure or from a socially assisted robot. However, they preferred to receive that information from the socially assisted robot, or in combination with the paper brochure to take home. Significant majority of them (88%) enjoyed the socially assisted robot experience during their visit. Providing patient education materials via socially assisted robots may improve patient experience during their clinic visit, without compromising the quality of their education.