Abstract: Artificial intelligence–based conversational tools are increasingly explored to support healthcare research activities. ResearchBOT is a free-to-use artificial intelligence support platform developed by pharmacists to assist users in clarifying clinical research– related questions. This multicenter cross-sectional study evaluated pharmacists' perceptions of usability, post-use confirmation, and intention to continue using ResearchBOT.
An online survey was conducted among public sector pharmacists in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, Malaysia. Participants interacted with ResearchBOT following a guided scenario involving at least five different research- and statistics-related questions and completed a structured questionnaire comprising usability (Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire), post-use confirmation, and use continuance domains, measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression were performed using IBM SPSS version 26.
A total of 223 responses were collected, with 217 included in scale analysis. The sample comprised pharmacists with a mean age of 32.1 ± 5.0 years, mean working experience of 7.53 ± 4.94 years, and mean research experience of 3.06 ± 3.77 years. Mean scores indicated positive perceptions of usability (5.35 ± 1.02), post-use confirmation (5.34 ± 1.11), and use continuance (5.38 ± 1.09). Internal consistency was excellent across all domains (Cronbach's α > 0.95). Strong correlations were observed between usability and use continuance (r = 0.759), usability and post-use confirmation (r = 0.736), and post-use confirmation and use continuance (r = 0.755). Multiple linear regression showed that usability (β = 0.472, p < 0.001) and post-use confirmation (β = 0.420, p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors of intention to continue using ResearchBOT, explaining 67.2% of the variance (R² = 0.672). Demographic variables were not statistically significant predictors after adjustment.
ResearchBOT demonstrated favorable acceptance among pharmacists. Usability and confirmation of expectations play a critical role in sustained adoption of AI-supported research tools in clinical pharmacy practice.
Keywords: ResearchBOT, artificial intelligence, usability, pharmacists, clinical research, technology acceptance.
Title: Empowering Malaysian Pharmacists in Research: Satisfaction, Use Continuation and Post-Use Confirmation of Using A Conversational Agent: A Multicenter Study
Author: Keerthy Venthen, Nishakaran Pushpa Rajah, Lai San Kong, Payal Choudhury, Kwong Kien Seang Sean
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026
Page No: 395-400
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 27-January-2026
