Algorithmic empathy in nursing – can artificial intelligence support humanism in care
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/pielxxiw-2026-0039Keywords:
therapeutic relationship, algorithmic empathy, socially assistive robots, artificial intelligence in nursingAbstract
Introduction. Artificial intelligence increasingly supports communication in healthcare by offering tools that simulate empathy and reduce patients’ sense of isolation, particularly in telehealth and senior care.
Aim. The aim of this study was to analyze the mechanisms, opportunities and limitations of algorithmic empathy and digital empathy in healthcare, with particular emphasis on nursing practice.
Methods. A scoping review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR (2020) guidelines. Literature searches were performed in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2015 to 2025. Empirical studies, literature reviews and conceptual analyses addressing algorithmic empathy, digital empathy, socially assistive robots, and emotion recognition systems in healthcare were included. A descriptive synthesis was applied.
Conclusions. Seven publications were included in the analysis. The results indicate that technological solutions may elicit responses perceived as empathic, which is associated with improved subjective well-being, reduced negative emotions and increased user engagement, primarily in long-term care, geriatric care and telehealth settings. Variability in intervention effectiveness and clinical context–related limitations were also noted. Algorithmic and digital empathy may support nursing care in conditions of limited direct contact. However, the use of such conditions requires professional oversight and a clear distinction between clinical empathy and technological solutions.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Małgorzata Kaszuba, Paweł Wiktorzak, Paweł Oskwarek, Marcin Kowalewski, Eryka Żygadło (Autor)
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