How digital technologies will assist in tending to kids with cancer

Col Reynolds Fellow, Dr Karin Plummer, has had an editorial article published within the Journal of Pediatric Nursing, detailing her research and the utilisation of digital technology in delivering safer, more effective care for kids with cancer. 

Based at Griffith University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, Dr Plummer is intent on determining the efficacy of wearable biosensors, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and chatbot support tools in improving care outcomes for kids with cancer.  

“My research looks at how these technologies can reduce distress, support clinicians and parents, and ultimately, improve health outcomes for children,” says Dr Plummer in an interview with the university's media department. 

“Technology is such a great tool in a medical setting, however, it is only useful if it actually gets used in practice. 

“One of the biggest gaps I’ve identified is not about whether digital tools work, but how they’re implemented. 

“In most cases, it’s simply not available at some hospitals, so my work focuses on understanding those barriers and developing practical, equitable pathways to embed these technologies into real-world care.” 

A lot of the above technologies have been earmarked for clinical use, particularly in regional areas where hospitals and clinics are understaffed. Symptom tracking and medication management are two areas where they will assist nurses in ensuring first-rate care for kids with cancer. 

While there’s fears that AI will take jobs in certain sectors, Dr Plummer says the self-learning technology will never replace the work of nurses in clinical spaces. 

“While AI is able to analyse huge amounts of data and help identify patterns which might signal a critical condition, it’s not a replacement for a nurse or doctor,” she says. 

“We still need clinical judgement and human connection. If we’re going to invest in digital health, we must make sure we’re doing so sustainably and ethically.” 

To read Dr Plummer’s published article, click here.