PONE-D-24-59718

Barriers and Enablers for the Deployment of Large Language Model-Based Conversational Robots for Older Adults: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

PLOS ONE

Dear Dr. Shankar,

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Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

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Additional Editor Comments:

Dear Author,

I had sourced two reviewers for this submission. However, recently one reviewer withdrew. I am happy to continue to source a second reviewer for this submission if you so wish. However, considering the nature of this submission (a protocol for a systematic review - which I would not like to delay), my own assessment of the submission, and that it is possible for the editor to accept this without review (according to my understanding). I am happy to recommend acceptance with minor revisions based on the reviews of the first reviewer. Nevertheless, if you would like I am happy to proceed to seek a second reviewer for you should you wish.

Kind Regards,

Stephen Milford

Academic Editor

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Does the manuscript provide a valid rationale for the proposed study, with clearly identified and justified research questions?

The research question outlined is expected to address a valid academic problem or topic and contribute to the base of knowledge in the field.

Reviewer #1: Yes

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2. Is the protocol technically sound and planned in a manner that will lead to a meaningful outcome and allow testing the stated hypotheses?

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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3. Is the methodology feasible and described in sufficient detail to allow the work to be replicable?

Descriptions of methods and materials in the protocol should be reported in sufficient detail for another researcher to reproduce all experiments and analyses. The protocol should describe the appropriate controls, sample size calculations, and replication needed to ensure that the data are robust and reproducible.

Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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Reviewer #1: Yes

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6. Review Comments to the Author

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(Please upload your review as an attachment if it exceeds 20,000 characters)

Reviewer #1: This protocol addresses the barriers and enablers for the deployment of large language model-based conversational robots for older adults using qualitative approach which an important and timely topic. The protocol is well-written, comprehensive, and methodologically rigorous. It adheres to established guidelines such as PRISMA-P and ENTREQ, which enhances its transparency and reproducibility. The inclusion of diverse stakeholder perspectives, such as older adults, caregivers, and policymakers, strengthens the scope of the review. Additionally, the planned use of the GRADE-CERQual framework to assess confidence in the evidence is commendable. There are few suggestions that may further improve the search strategy of the paper:

1. Although the databases are comprehensive, adding more databases that address engineering field may be helpful, especially there may be multiple pilot studies that have published in these jourmals that may include qualitative data about experience.

2. Consider discussing how you will handle grey literature, as relevant insights from unpublished studies or conference proceedings may add value to the review.

3. Backward citation analysis using Google Scholar may be also helpful, beside using the manual search for the references lists.

Overall, the protocol is well written and adheres to the highest levels of reporting.

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Reviewer #1: Yes: Omar Aboshady

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Barriers and Enablers for the Deployment of Large Language Model-Based Conversational Robots for Older Adults: A Protocol for a Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies

PONE-D-24-59718R1

Dear Dr. Shankar,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

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Kind regards,

Stephen R. Milford

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Reviewers' comments: