Training for compassionate care delivery when using digital health technology: a scoping review of primary care education

Abstract

Background: Rapid integration of digital technologies, including electronic health records, virtual care, and artificial intelligence, has transformed primary care practice. While these technologies may improve efficiency and care access, they also introduce challenges to delivering compassionate care. While training programs increasingly emphasize digital competencies, it remains unclear how compassionate care is addressed in education for primary care providers using these technologies. This scoping review aimed to map existing literature on how digital health technologies influence compassionate care in primary care education. Methods: A scoping review was conducted to map the current evidence. Articles were searched across seven databases, and included peer-reviewed articles published in English, between 2015-2025. Data were extracted on study characteristics, educational interventions and outcomes. Analysis of educational outcomes was guided by Kirkpatrick’s framework. Results: Fourteen studies were included. Most (92.9%) employed quantitative methodology. Family medicine learners were the primary audience for the educational interventions in 85.7% of studies. Training primarily focused on using electronic health records and virtual care, with no identified studies addressing AI. Educational approaches included workshops, simulations, role play, and observed clinical encounters. No studies explicitly addressed compassionate care; instead, they focused on related concepts such as communication skills, patient-centered care, and rapport building. Outcomes largely assessed participants’ reactions to training and short-term learning gains, including changes in knowledge, skills or attitudes. Conclusion: Interventions focused mainly on communication and technical skills, without explicitly addressing compassion, highlighting a gap in compassionate care education and training. As digital technologies become more embedded in primary care, intentional curricular strategies are needed to ensure that compassionate care remains central.