For many new treatments and technology aimed at end-of-life care — for instance, an artificial intelligence-enabled analysis that determines life expectancy or survival likelihood — studies that validate their use often are based on small, or biased, data samples, and older adults should be made aware of these limitations when facing decisions about adopting such services.
This was one of several key findings in a new review of “ethical, equity and societal considerations” of digital health tools aimed at palliative or end-of-life care.
“The majority of digital health tools for palliative care are still prototypes tested on a few participants, rather than refined products evaluated through an adequately-powered randomized controlled trial,” the report authors wrote. “Transparency about the evidence base is vital.”
Researchers ultimately made 10 recommendations for deploying digital tools, highlighted by the need to make sure patients feel that a personal or human element is involved.
This echoes concerns about new tech in senior living communities overall, such as AI and robotics, where both caregivers and the residents themselves are concerned about removing social or in-person interactions, either with caregivers or among residents.
“With the world’s aging population and the associated rising prevalence of cancer and other life-limiting conditions, the need for proper, pragmatic and personalized care toward the end of life is increasing,” the study report noted. “The ‘high-touch’ and ‘warm’ nature of palliative care entails establishing an empathic relationship with patients and considering them as unique individuals.”
Practical concerns about tech aimed at older adults also exist, such as how easy a tool such as a smartphone is to use, the researchers warned.
Overall, the report touches on several common concerns that have emerged over the past few years about new digital technologies, including privacy protection and lack of access to digital tools in rural or underserved populations.
