Healthcare professionals' perceptions and needs for a Home-based Artificial Intelligence Pain Management System for cancer pain: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs') perceptions of and needs for a Home-based Artificial Intelligence Pain Management System (HAIPMS) for cancer pain in Hong Kong, China.

METHODS

A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 14 HCPs from Jockey Club Home for Hospice (JCHH) in Hong Kong, China between March and June 2025. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Their professional experience ranged from 3 to 33 years. Thematic analysis generated three themes and ten subthemes. The themes were: 1) valued but under-supported home-based cancer pain management, including family-dependent and intermittent professional support; comfort, affordability, and system relief in home-based care; and subjective assessment, medication non-adherence, and delayed support; 2) cautious optimism toward AI integration, including expectations for visible, measurable, and continuous pain monitoring; concern of risks resulted from AI implementation; and heterogeneous attitudes shaped by professional and generational divides; and 3) practical requirements for HAIPMS implementation, including essential functional modules; user-centered design and adaptability; safety and ethical assurance requirements; and training and sustained support.

CONCLUSIONS

HCPs viewed HAIPMS as a potentially useful supportive tool for home-based cancer pain management, provided that it preserves professional autonomy, fits local care contexts, and incorporates ethical safeguards, user-friendly design, and sustained support. These findings offer practical guidance for developing AI-assisted pain management systems in home-based cancer pain.