Objective:
Emotional distress in cancer patients and survivors impacts overall well-being and quality of life. Several barriers to adequate screening have been identified and are currently being addressed by artificial intelligence-based tools. However, there is a critical need to explore cancer patients’ and survivors’ perspectives on these new technologies. This systematic review aims to explore their perception, acceptance, and utilization of artificial intelligence-based voice, speech semantics, and facial expression (AIVSFE) tools for emotional distress screening.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed Central, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycINFO, and Epistemonikos on May 3, 2024. The search retrieved empirical studies published within the last five years that focused on adult cancer patients at any stage of treatment or survivorship and their perception, acceptance, or use of AIVSFE tools. Participant sociodemographics, AI distress modalities, technological frameworks, outcome scales, and outcomes were analyzed along with the studies’ methodological quality.
Results:
Three studies met the eligibility criteria after rigorous screening. They included a combined sample of 316 cancer patients and survivors with heterogeneous clinical characteristics. Two studies utilized speech semantics technologies, while one utilized facial expression technology. The results show high acceptance, satisfaction, and usefulness rates (70%-98%), suggesting AIVSFE tools could address barriers associated with traditional distress screening.
Conclusion:
The findings indicate a favorable view of AIVSFE tools for detecting distress. Future studies should prioritize developing standardized evaluation frameworks, diversifying participant demographics, and addressing broader usability and ethical concerns to ensure equitable adoption of these technologies.
Keywords:
acceptance, artificial intelligence, cancer, distress, mental health, oncology, perception, psycho-oncology, screening, utilization