Empathic AI for Patient-Centered Cancer Care: A Scoping Review of Patient Navigation, Support, and Clinical Practice

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable for scoping review

• Effect Size: Not quantified - qualitative synthesis only

• Primary Outcome: Empathic AI demonstrates potential to improve cancer care across patient education, clinical decision-making, and emotional support

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Improved patient engagement and reduced clinician burden reported qualitatively

• Confidence Interval: Not applicable for scoping review

Clinical Application

Implementation challenges identified including overreliance concerns, cultural sensitivity issues, and privacy considerations Relevant to Australian cancer care networks and patient navigation programs, though cultural adaptation and TGA regulatory considerations for AI medical devices would be essential Cancer patients and caregivers across oncology settings, with particular relevance for patient education and psychosocial support

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping oncology, offering advancements in clinical care and patient support. A growing area of interest is the integration of empathic AI: systems integrating clinical precision with emotional intelligence to support medical decision-making and the emotional and psychosocial well-being of patients and caregivers. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to explore the role of empathic AI in cancer care, with a focus on its applications in patient education, clinician support, and emotional care. It also evaluated the ethical, cultural, and implementation challenges associated with its integration into clinical practice in oncology. METHODS: A systematic search of literature was conducted in accordance with PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 guidelines. Peer-reviewed papers published between January 2018 and January 2025 were identified through a search of PubMed, Scopus, and IEEE Xplore, and citation tracking. Eligible studies focused on applications of empathic AI in oncology. A total of 44 studies were included and analyzed thematically across 3 core clinical domains: tailored communication and education, diagnostics and care plan optimization, and emotional and psychosocial support. RESULTS: Empathic AI demonstrates the potential to improve cancer care by enhancing patient education, clinical decision-making, and emotional support. Common applications include personalized education for patients and providers, support for diagnostic and therapeutic decisions, and tools designed to recognize and respond to patient distress. Several studies noted improved patient engagement and reduced clinician burden. However, concerns were identified regarding overreliance on AI systems, cultural insensitivity, and patient privacy. CONCLUSIONS: Empathic AI represents a promising advancement in patient-centered oncology, integrating emotional intelligence into clinical care. Its successful implementation will require careful attention to ethical, cultural, and clinical considerations to ensure health equity, trust, and safety in AI-assisted cancer care.

References

1. 1.White, B. M., Aitken, G. L., Zink, J. A., Kheirkhah Rahimabad, P., Kumsa, F. A., Hashtarkhani, S., Rashid, R., Kheirinejad, S., Girdwood, T., Brett, C. L., Davis, R. L., Schwartz, D. L., & Shaban-Nejad, A. (2026). Empathic AI for patient-centered cancer care: A scoping review of patient navigation, support, and clinical practice. JMIR Cancer, Article 82336. https://doi.org/10.2196/82336