Tea, Technology and Me: a World Café approach to engage people with dementia and their carers about research priorities and policy development in digital technology and artificial intelligence

Abstract

Digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) use in health care is increasing, and it potentially offers significant patient benefit, such as independence, improved care and health care at home. Workforce benefits are apparent, for example, releasing time to see patients. However, are ethical and moral dilemmas of such technologies sufficiently unpacked by patients and understood by clinicians? A person living with dementia, and carers of people with dementia, alongside academics and clinicians, designed a public engagement World Café event for 20 people living with dementia and their carers. This process is described, as are reflections on a World Café approach to generate knowledge on a lesser explored topic. Working with a graphic recorder at the event proved a dynamic and engaging way of visually displaying feedback, served as an aide memoire and generated further discussion. Three feedback themes are highlighted: (1) trust; (2) continuity of care; and (3) support and independence. The event’s subsequent evaluation and impact, including a presentation to the House of Lords All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence, are described. In conclusion, a suitable World Café approach enables people with dementia and their carers to voice exceptionally useful insights into a topic that already affects, or is very likely to, affect them.