Investigating the role of Artificial Intelligence in supporting healthcare worker mental health

Project description

Healthcare workers, who support the health of others, are increasingly facing mental health challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, burnout and insomnia. Internationally, healthcare resources to support mental health remain limited. Artificial intelligence (AI) appears to have scope and potential in supporting the mental health of healthcare workers. However, several ethical concerns and risks of using AI in healthcare more broadly has been flagged in previous research. Use of AI specifically in supporting healthcare worker mental health is an area that is yet to be investigated, with gaps in our knowledge of the acceptability and feasibility of this intervention, especially from a healthcare organisation and stakeholder perspective.

This PhD research will utilise qualitative grounded theory methodology to explore healthcare stakeholder views on the use of AI in supporting healthcare worker mental health. Enablers, barriers, risks and ethical concerns will be captured through in-depth interviews with healthcare workers, administrators, managers and policy makers in healthcare organisations. Findings will be used to develop theory and actionable solutions, and to develop a blueprint for a suitable AI-tool to use in this area. This AI-tool will be piloted in a select sample of healthcare workers and recommendations developed for further implementation and use.

Outcomes

1. Development of theory and actionable solutions on the use of AI in supporting the mental health of healthcare workers.
2. Development of a blueprint to design a suitable AI tool based on study findings.
3. Development and piloting of the AI-tool in a select sample of healthcare workers and subsequent development of recommendations for wider implementation and use.

Essential capabilities

1. Knowledge of recent AI, ML, NLP techniques (specifically recent LLM models). 2. Strong Python programming skill. 3. Ability to build rapport with stakeholders and strong communication skills. 4. High level of motivation and drive.

Desireable capabilities

1. Awareness of healthcare processes. 2. Ability to work to given timelines.

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Engineering or Health Sciences