Artificial Intelligence: A Support Tool or a Substitute for Oncology Nurses?

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is generally defined as a technology that allows a machine or computer to mimic human intelligence and cognitive functions, such as problem-solving and learning.1 In recent years, the rapid development of AI has led to many breakthroughs in the medical and nursing fields, which may help to prevent disease progression and reduce morbidity and mortality.2 AI has also led to significant improvements in oncology care. For example, the application of AI in medical image analysis is particularly important.3 Through AI algorithms, a large amount of medical imaging data, such as X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, and computer tomography scans, can be processed and analyzed, which not only greatly enhances the speed and accuracy of disease detection and diagnosis but also enables early and effective treatment.3,4 The efficient analysis capabilities of AI that allow it to quickly and accurately identify disease symptoms in images further improve the efficiency and accuracy of diagnosis and profoundly enhance the overall quality of care.4 The increasing global cancer burden and growing nursing workforce shortage worldwide are currently the biggest problems facing the industry, posing serious challenges to the health care system. The advancement of AI in health care has written a new chapter in nursing. In particular, AI can be used to help patients and their families receive health education, thereby reducing the workload of nursing staff. For example, AI chatbots can be used to assist oncology nurses in providing treatment education before chemotherapy.5 They can also help oncology patients to more proactively manage their symptoms and engage in self-care.5 Although AI has led to numerous improvements in health care, the credibility of AI and the privacy, ethics, and integrity issues it gives rise to cannot be ignored. Importantly, humanity is the core value of nursing and cannot be replaced by AI. For example, human touch remains crucial in the nursing process. Unfortunately, care is increasingly being replaced by technology, without considering how such technology diminishes the human element of care. Other important nursing attributes that AI cannot replace are empathy and compassion.6 In particular, oncology nurses play a pivotal role in providing compassionate care in their daily practice because they often encounter vulnerable populations, including patients with critical and life-threatening illnesses who require more psychological support and compassionate care than others. Compassion is defined as the feeling that arises when one is confronted with another’s suffering and feels motivated to relieve that suffering. It is the ability and willingness to stand alongside someone and put their needs before one’s own. As we ponder the question of whether AI can replace oncology care, let us re-examine 2 historical figures whose profound impact on nursing persists in the present context. From them, we see how they practiced compassion. The first influential figure is Florence Nightingale, known as “The Lady with the Lamp.” Born into a wealthy family, Nightingale became a nurse for injured soldiers despite her family’s disapproval and the unsafe and resource-poor working conditions.7 For Nightingale, nursing was the closest one could be to dealing with people’s diseases and pain.7 She believed that being able to care for the sick and relieve their pain was not just a job but a divine task.7 Nightingale’s dedication and determination continue to enlighten the path of nursing. Even today, her dedication inspires nurses to keep improving and advocating for the best health care for patients. Another influential figure is Mother Teresa. Although not a nurse, Mother Teresa spent her life serving vulnerable groups that were ignored by society, providing for their basic needs and making them feel respected.8 In addition, Mother Teresa provided basic but essential care to critically ill patients, allowing them to die with dignity.8 We are reminded of the words of Mother Teresa, which are lived by nurses worldwide: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”8 In conclusion, the integration of AI into oncology nursing promises efficiency and quality of care. However, synergy between AI and nursing is crucial, with AI serving as a support tool rather than a replacement for the complex and deeply human aspects of nursing. Humanity is the core value of nursing, and it is characterized by compassionate care, which remains indispensable and cannot be replaced by AI. As the health care landscape continues to evolve with continued technological advancements, maintaining a balance in which the essence of humanity is maintained while the benefits of AI are leveraged is crucial to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

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