Development of Chatbot Application for Parents of Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Abstract

Objective: To develop a chatbot to answer the questions for parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using Dialogflow, test its effectiveness of the Chatbot, evaluate learning achievement from using the Chatbot and assess parents' satisfaction in using the chatbot. Method: This research and development study consisted of 2 phases. In phase 1, the researchers analyzed the requirement of participants including 370 parents and 64 systematically selected heath personnel in various hospitals in Chaiyaphum. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires. In addition, in-depth interviews were conducted with purposively selected groups of parents, teachers, and medical personnel with 5 informants per group. The results from the analysis of requirement were employed to design the content of the Chatbot. Subsequently, the development of the Chatbot called the SmartKidsBot proceeded through Dialogflow's website together with LINE Official Account Manager. The study then conducted a field test of the Chatbot's effectiveness on 36 parents of children with ADHD by setting performance criteria (E1/E2) at 80/80. The subjects were tested during and after learning with the Chatbot. Results: Field testing of the Chatbot found that the efficiency (E1/E2) was 80.56/81.94 Average knowledge score of parents of ADHD children before learning with the Chatbots was 3.36 ± 1.41 (out of a possible 10 points). The score after learning was 8.19 ± 1.43, which was found to significantly increase (P < 0.001). Overall satisfaction in using the Chatbots was at the highest level (average 4.54 ± 0.24 out of 5 points). Conclusion: The SmartKidsBot is effective according to the specified criteria and suitable to be used to enhance learning for parents of children with ADHD.