Emotional support powered by artificial intelligence in healthcare settings: A scoping review of technologies,...

In recent years, the application of artificial intelligence technologies for emotional support in healthcare settings has increased. However, less is known about the quality and effectiveness of artificial intelligence-based emotional support.

This scoping review aimed to investigate the characteristics, supporting content, and outcomes (usability, acceptability, and effectiveness) of artificial intelligence-based emotional support in healthcare settings.

The scoping review followed the five-stage framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the reporting standards established in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. In July 2025, literature searches were conducted across 10 databases without restrictions on study design. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess quality. Results were synthesized narratively.

A total of 20 studies involving 4703 participants were included. Some studies exhibited methodological limitations, including insufficient blinding and inadequate control of confounding factors. Artificial intelligence-based emotional support systems varied in their technical characteristics, with cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness being the most common foundation for the design of supportive content. Among patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, these systems demonstrated a degree of usability and acceptability and were effective in improving a range of emotional states and emotion-related capacities. However, limitations persisted regarding technology, supportive content, specific emotional indicators, and sustained effectiveness.

This review identified substantial heterogeneity in the technologies and supportive content of artificial intelligence-based emotional support in healthcare settings. While these systems show promising potential, their limitations must be carefully considered in practice. Future research should adopt more rigorous experimental designs and increase nurse involvement in both technology development and study implementation. This review can help nursing professionals better understand and utilize artificial intelligence to provide emotional support and improve patients' emotional well-being.

This review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025645966).