Patient Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence in Cancer Care: Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Medical Informatics
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into cancer care, yet patient perceptions remain largely unexplored.
• Understanding patient attitudes is vital for patient-centered AI implementation and adoption.
• Patient perspectives are essential for aligning AI tools with individual needs and preferences in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize existing literature on patient attitudes toward AI in cancer care.
• To identify knowledge gaps regarding patient perceptions of AI in oncology.
• To inform future research and clinical implementation strategies for AI in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.
• Searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and CINAHL for primary research studies on AI and cancer patients' attitudes.
• Included 19 studies representing 2114 patients across 15 countries, synthesizing quantitative and qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Patients generally support AI as a physician-guided tool, but express concerns regarding depersonalization, bias, and data security.
• Trust in AI is influenced by physician endorsement and patient familiarity, with higher trust in physician-guided applications.
• Geographic variations in AI acceptance were noted, with higher acceptance in Asia and skepticism in North America and Europe. Patients with metastatic cancer were underrepresented.

Conclusions:

• This review offers the first synthesis of patient attitudes toward AI across diverse cancer types, highlighting unique patient concerns.
• Findings suggest clinicians can foster AI acceptance by emphasizing its role as a physician-guided tool.
• Integrating AI in alignment with patient values and expectations is crucial for successful adoption in cancer care.