Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable

Testing an AI Large Language Model Tool for Cognitive Debiasing in Musculoskeletal Care

United States150 participantsStarted 2025-06-23

Plain-language summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to find out whether using an artificial intelligence (AI) tool called a Large Language Model (LLM) can help patients think more clearly about their symptoms and improve their trust and experience during a visit to a musculoskeletal specialist. The study will answer two main questions: 1. Does an LLM-guided checklist that encourages patients to reflect on their beliefs about their symptoms improve their trust in the clinician (measured using the TRECS-7 scale)? 2. Does the checklist improve how patients feel about their consultation overall? Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: * One group will receive an LLM-guided checklist that helps them think more flexibly about their condition. * The other group will receive an LLM-generated likely diagnosis and brief explanation of their symptoms. In both groups, the information from the AI tool will be shared with both the patient and the clinician before the consultation. Patients in the debiasing (intervention) group will: * Complete a short set of questions with help from a researcher * Receive a simple summary from the AI that reflects their beliefs and gently challenges any unhelpful thinking * Attend their regular specialist appointment * Complete a short survey afterwards capturing their thoughts, experience and basic demographics Patients in the diagnosis-only (control) group will: * Describe their symptoms to the AI LLM * Receive a likely diagnosis and short explanation based on this description * Attend their regular specialist appointment * Complete a short survey afterwards capturing their thoughts, experience and basic demographics

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Adults (18+) * New or return patient seeking musculoskeletal specialty care at an Orthopedic outpatient clinic * Total combined score on the 6 feelings and thoughts items of \> 10\* (Appendix 3 of study protocol) * English-speaking * Pre-visit diagnosis of chronic, non-traumatic musculoskeletal condition (including, but not limited to: osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger digit, Dupuytren's, De Quervain's, lateral epicondylitis) Exclusion Criteria: * Any impairment preventing completion of surveys on a tablet

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Trust and Experience with the Clinician Scale (TRECS-7)

Timeframe: Measured once, immediately following consultation with the musculoskeletal specialist

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07022769

SponsorUniversity of Texas at Austin

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-03-15

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Any Chronic, Non-traumatic Orthopedic Condition trials