A Personalized Chatbot to Support Kidney Disease Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Preliminary Study.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant health issue worldwide. This study investigates the potential of personalized chatbots to support kidney disease patients and their caregivers in Saudi Arabia. Using a cross-sectional design, data was collected via an online questionnaire to get insights into patient preferences and willingness to use chatbots in kidney disease care. Findings revealed high acceptance of chatbot technology, with 95.5% of participants willing to engage with a virtual assistant. Key features identified include dietary guidance, educational content, and psychological support. The study highlights the chatbot's potential to address significant challenges such as limited knowledge, high treatment costs, and dietary management. These insights provide a foundation for developing a prototype chatbot tailored to the needs of kidney disease patients in Saudi Arabia, with the potential to enhance healthcare accessibility and patient quality of life.