Bridging the Communication Chasm: Clinician Perspectives on AI-Augmented Patient Interactions in Kenyan Oncology - A Qualitative Study Highlighting Ethical and Empathetic Implementation Frameworks

This study examines the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve doctor-patient communication in resource-constrained public oncology settings in Kenya, addressing critical communication barriers that impact treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. A qualitative exploratory study was conducted in three public oncology facilities in Nairobi County, employing semi-structured in-depth interviews with 10 clinical officers and physicians. Data were analysed using thematic analysis with NVivo 12 software to identify patterns and themes related to communication challenges and the potential for AI integration. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: significant communication barriers, including the complexity of technical language, time constraints, and cultural mismatches; high clinician interest in AI communication tools despite limited current awareness; and critical requirements for the ethical implementation of AI systems, including the need for explainable AI, cultural adaptation, and preservation of human empathy. A majority of participants (8 out of 10) identified technical language barriers as the most significant challenge, while all participants (10 out of 10) expressed high interest in AI applications such as medical jargon translation, patient distress detection, and real-time conversational support. This study provides the first empirical evidence for a clinician-endorsed, empathy-centric framework for AI integration in resource-constrained settings, positioning AI not as a replacement but as a tool for augmenting human connection. The core conceptual contribution demonstrates AI as an "empathy enhancer" that addresses systemic communication barriers while preserving the relational aspects of healthcare. The findings provide a culturally appropriate, phased implementation framework for AI communication tools in African healthcare contexts, emphasising comprehensive training and ethical oversight. AI-augmented communication has the potential to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities, and enhance patient satisfaction in resource-constrained settings, directly supporting Kenya's UHC goals by addressing a key social determinant of health: communication. This study offers crucial insights for the development of healthcare technology in similar resource-constrained environments.