Nurses' Perspectives on The Interaction of Artificial Intelligence and Spirituality In Palliative Care Units: A Qualitative Research

Bacgkround: Palliative care, a holistic approach to healthcare, addresses the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. The integration of artificial intelligence into healthcare settings, including palliative care units, presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly concerning the spiritual dimension of care. Nurses, who are at the forefront of patient care, play a critical role in addressing patients' spiritual needs, providing comfort, meaning, and hope in the face of suffering and death. Aim: This qualitative research seeks to explore nurses' perspectives on the interaction between artificial intelligence and spirituality in palliative care units. Material and Method: We employed a qualitative descriptive research method, using semi-structured interviews with palliative nurses as the data source. Interviews were analyzed via qualitative content analysis, with data saturation achieved during the interview process. To ensure rigor, both researchers independently identified key topics from verbatim transcripts of audio recordings, followed by discussion and joint evaluation. Results: We identified 4 overarching main themes in this setting: (1) The Perceived Role of AI in Palliative Care, (2) The Nature of Spirituality in Palliative Care Nursing, (3) Navigating the Intersection of AI and Spirituality, (4) The Impact on the Nurse-Patient Relationship. Conclusion: The escalating integration of artificial intelligence within healthcare necessitates a comprehensive examination of its implications, especially in sensitive domains such as palliative care, where the humanistic and spiritual dimensions of care are paramount.