Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in engaging with patients: a literature review on AI applications in the healthcare sector

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a deep change in the healthcare sector, providing new opportunities to improve efficiency, diagnosis and personalisation of treatment. In the field of healthcare management, several studies have focused on the adoption of AI by healthcare professionals, highlighting benefits in terms of decision support and optimisation of clinical processes. However, its impact on patient experience and involvement throughout the patient journey is still poorly explored. The aim of this ongoing research is to offer a comprehensive literature review on AI adoptions in the healthcare sector, to identify the main patient-centred applications and highlight existing gaps. Methodologically, this study combines bibliometric analysis and thematic content analysis to explore how AI is applied in healthcare, particularly in relation to patient engagement. Based on the findings of the analysis, a strong prevalence of studies focusing on the clinical and organisational point of view emerges, while the patient-side implications in terms of engagement, empowerment and acceptance of technologies are still not much explored. In conclusion, this study proposes a critical discussion on the need to integrate more participatory and patient-centred approaches in the study of AI in healthcare. Future research should focus on the study of solutions that involve patient in the process of co-creating the healthcare services. Patient experience must be enriched by the adoption of AI solution, as this should be a driver to increase patient engagement and involvement