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CHAT-AF-S conversational AI protocol aims to improve quality of life in atrial fibrillationTrial Plans to Test AI Chatbots for Atrial Fibrillation Patients
BMJ openPublished August 9, 2026Study authors: Laranjo Liliana, Zeng Aileen, O'Hagan Edel, Trivedi Ritu, Sathiaraj Rahul, Thomas Stuart, Thiagaling…PubMed ↗DOI ↗Editorial oversight: Dr. Amelia Tan, PhD · Internal Medicine & Chronic Disease
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Key Takeaway
Interpret this as a protocol only; await results before considering conversational AI for AF self-management.
This is a randomised controlled trial design/protocol, not a results paper. The study will enroll 480 adults aged 18 years and older with documented atrial fibrillation. Participants will be randomised to either the CHAT-AF-S intervention, a conversational artificial intelligence health support tool for self-management, or to usual care. The primary outcome is the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life overall score, assessed at 3 months follow-up. Secondary outcomes include user experience, feasibility, acceptability, perceived use, and barriers/enablers to implementation.
No results are reported in this publication. Adverse events, serious adverse events, discontinuations, and tolerability are not reported. The main limitation is that this is a trial design/protocol, so no efficacy or safety conclusions can be made. The study's practice relevance is to evaluate whether conversational AI can improve quality of life in atrial fibrillation patients, but until results are available, clinicians should await further evidence.
Given the lack of outcome data, this protocol does not support any change in current clinical practice. The use of conversational AI in atrial fibrillation self-management remains experimental. Clinicians should monitor for future results from this trial to determine if this approach offers meaningful benefits.
How this fits prior evidence
This protocol addresses a gap in prior coverage by focusing on a non-pharmacological, AI-based intervention for atrial fibrillation, whereas previous items covered anticoagulation strategies (edoxaban, DOACs, NOACs) and procedural or perioperative approaches (cardioversion waveforms, dexmedetomidine). It does not confirm or contrast with those findings because no results are yet available. The trial's emphasis on quality of life is a distinct outcome from the clinical events and bleeding risks highlighted in earlier coverage.
Researchers are preparing a study to see how conversational artificial intelligence, called CHAT-AF-S, affects the lives of adults with atrial fibrillation. This type of technology uses AI to provide health support and help patients manage their condition daily.
The trial will involve 480 adults who have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. The main goal is to measure if interacting with an AI chatbot improves their overall quality of life over a three-month period. Researchers will also look at how easy the tool is to use and what barriers patients face when using it.
It is important to note that this study is currently in the design and protocol phase. This means the researchers have not yet started the trial or collected any data. Because no results are available yet, we cannot say if the AI will be effective or safe for patients at this time.
What this means for you:
This is a planned study to see if AI chatbots can help manage atrial fibrillation; results are not yet available.
Common questions
What is being tested in this study?
The study is testing a conversational artificial intelligence tool called CHAT-AF-S. It is designed to provide health support and help patients manage their condition. The researchers want to see if using this AI can improve the overall quality of life for adults with atrial fibrillation.
Are there any results from this study yet?
No, there are no results available at this time. Because this is a trial design and protocol, it means the researchers have planned the study but have not yet finished testing it or collecting data to see if the intervention works.
Who is eligible for this trial?
The study is designed for adults aged 18 years and older who have a documented diagnosis of atrial fibrillation. The trial aims to include a total of 480 participants to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the AI tool.
INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF), a common arrhythmia, is associated with impaired quality of life and increased stroke risk and mortality. Clinical guidelines recommend leveraging digital technologies to support patient education and AF self-management. Conversational artificial intelligence (AI) technologies may support patient engagement with self-management by enabling human-like conversations. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a conversational AI intervention (Conversational artificial intelligence HeAlth supporT in Atrial Fibrillation Self-Management (CHAT-AF-S)) in improving quality of life in patients with AF.
METHODS AND ANALYSIS: CHAT-AF-S is a 3-month randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation and embedded process evaluation. We will randomise 480 adults (aged 18 years and older) with documented AF to the CHAT-AF-S intervention or usual care. Primary outcome is the Atrial Fibrillation Effect on QualiTy-of-life overall score. We will follow the intention-to-treat principles and data analysts will be blinded. Intervention participants will be invited to complete a user experience survey and take part in an interview to explore the feasibility, acceptability, perceived use and barriers and enablers to implementing the intervention. Qualitative data will be analysed thematically.
ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was obtained from the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Ethics Research Committee (2023/ETH00765). Written and informed consent will be obtained from all study participants before commencing any study procedures. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number: ACTRN12623000850673).
