Background The use of artificial intelligence (AI) methods in palliative care research is increasing; most AI-related palliative care research involves the use of routinely collected patient data from Electronic Healthcare Record (EHR) systems. However, there is little known about the views of specialist palliative care healthcare professionals (SPC-HP) on the role of AI in palliative care practice. Determining the views of SPC-HPs of the role of AI in palliative care may help to determine facilitators and barriers to the use of AI in practice.

Aim To explore the opinions of SPC-HPs on the use of AI to analyse patient data in palliative care settings.

Methods Qualitative research using semi-structured interviews of SPC-HPs in a hospice in the North-West of England. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results We interviewed seven SPC-HPs from a range of professions and grades. AI was viewed positively, although most participants reported they had not used it in practice. No participants had received training in AI, and all participants commented that relevant formal education in AI would be beneficial. Staff identified that useful applications of AI could include the identification of individuals with the potential to benefit from palliative care interventions, and the evaluation of individual patient experience. Participants highlighted several security and ethical concerns related to data governance, patient confidentiality, psychological harm to patients, accuracy of AI decisions and consent.

Conclusions AI offers the potential of use in innovative data analysis methods in palliative care research and practice. Overall, AI was viewed positively by SPC-HPs, although staff highlighted concerns about data security and patient safety. Future research should study methodological, ethical and practical issues to determine how AI technology can best support delivery palliative care to those with serious illness.