"How new technology makes us feel is important"

As part of my Churchill Fellowship, I've been travelling the world learning about how researchers are using AI to improve palliative care – and there are so many amazing things going on.

In the Netherlands, researchers are using AI to map health outcomes for cancer patients across the country  , and compare these to criteria such a geography, distance to schools and hospitals. This helps them understand what factors about where people live lead to better or worse care.

Meanwhile in the US, they're using natural language processing – which is when a machine can read and understand free text – to analyse the notes healthcare professionals are writing about their patients  . They can then use this data to work out palliative care need and predict survival, and see actual frequency and severity of symptoms patients may be experiencing in order to be able to improve their care.

These kinds of projects help us see bigger trends and patterns in real time. And the more information you're able to process, the more accurate your understanding of a problem. But AI also has the potential to be used at a very personal level – indeed it's already there.

Let's take Emma as an example.

In her home, she has sensor-based technology to constantly monitor her health metrics to inform her care. She uses hologram technology to communicate in real time with friends, family and professionals and replay messages.

Her AI-powered smart kitchen uses raw components to make nutritionally balanced meals according to her health requirements. For rehabilitation and recreation, she uses augmented and virtual reality.

Finally, her audio-visual smart wall displays personalised data about her, helping her discuss her health with her healthcare team and make decisions about options for treatment.

There's an important question here: how does this vision of Emma's life make you feel?

Are you happy about it? Does it make you feel sad? Are you curious and creative when thinking about the research and quality improvement opportunities that may occur? Does it make you scared and like you just want it to all go away? Or are you laughing and thinking that it's all a big joke, and there's no chance this future could ever actually happen? Or does it make you feel angry and worried that this technology could cause barriers between people?

Whatever your reaction is, it's valid.

It's vitally important that we understand the emotions and opinions that people may have about the use of technology and artificial intelligence in palliative and end of life care. It doesn't matter how amazing a technology may seem in terms of the insight it gives, or the time it saves, or the other benefits it has, if people don't want to use it.

People who require palliative and end of life care require specific physical, emotional, psychological and social needs, which requires holistic assessment and support. Although there are more opportunities to use AI technologies in palliative care, there may be concern from family caregivers that technology may be unable to provide the person-centered, human connection which may be desired when people are at their most vulnerable.

Therefore, careful exploration of feelings, emotions and perceptions (of patients, family caregivers, the public and staff) about the use of AI technologies in palliative care must be a key aspect of future research. It's important that the risks of using AI in palliative care are properly studied to ensure that it is used safely, wisely and does not cause unintentional harm.

PS Emma's scenario above was, in fact, written by ChatGPT. Could you tell?

Dr Amara Nwosu is a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Palliative Care at Lancaster Medical School and Research lead for Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool. Read more about research leadership in our hospices.