Evaluating user experiences with an AI chatbot for health-related social needs: A cross-sectional mixed methods study

Abstract Background Unmet Health-related social needs (HRSNs), such as food insecurity and housing, significantly impact health outcomes and wellbeing. Although screening tools are widely adopted to identify the needs, sustainable linkage to resources remains challenging. Conversational agents (chatbots) offer potential solutions for tailored and personalized feedback, real-time navigation, yet their usability and trustworthiness among populations with high needs require further exploration. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study to evaluate user experiences with the DAPHNE© chatbot, which