Exploring Attitudes Toward AI-Based Contactless Sensors in Health Among Five Stakeholder Groups: Qualitative Study

Hille EM, Bleher H, Coppers B, Engelhardt S, Eskofier B, Garbe L, Heckel M, Liphardt AM, Manlig A, Rohleder N, Samhammer D, Spielmann C, Braun M (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

Book Volume: 28

Article Number: e75783

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.2196/75783

Abstract

Background: The rapid rise of artificial intelligence–based contactless sensors (AI-CS) is expected to significantly transform how patients are measured, monitored, and understood through a versatile, noninvasive approach to data collection and health assessment. However, there is a lack of empirical research specifically focusing on AI-CS in health. Moreover, existing studies tend to focus on medical or patient perspectives, while neglecting other stakeholders such as researchers, political actors, or the general public. Objective: The study aims to provide an in-depth empirical ethical analysis and, through a multistakeholder approach, a uniquely comprehensive overview by addressing the research question: what are the attitudes of different stakeholders (patients, health care professionals, researchers, political stakeholders, and the general public) toward AI-CS and their applications in health? Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study with 104 participants using a semistructured interview guide. Interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with ATLAS.ti software (ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH), following a 3-component model of feelings, thoughts, and behavioral aspects. Results: The results of the study provide an in-depth analysis of attitudes toward AI-CS in health among different stakeholders. Overall, the results show a high level of openness to AI-CS in health across all stakeholder groups. In terms of feelings and their correlation with behavioral aspects, 2 key trends emerged: first, greater experience and knowledge correlated with a reduced tendency to react emotionally. Second, participants with positive experiences with technologies were generally more open and positive toward contactless sensors. The combined findings on thoughts and behavioral aspects highlighted 3 key tensions—around contact(lessness) and the importance and ambivalence of touch, between protection and surveillance (particularly regarding path- and context-dependency) and between the benefits and challenges of unobtrusiveness (especially in relation to control and governance implications). In addition, the analysis revealed the need for information and consent about AI-CS and clarified possible technical implementations and fields of application. Conclusions: This study provides a comprehensive and empirically grounded ethical analysis of stakeholder attitudes toward AI-CS in health. The findings offer valuable guidance for the responsible development, implementation, and governance of AI-CS in health care contexts.

Authors with CRIS profile

Involved external institutions

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn Germany (DE) Universität Hamburg (UHH) Germany (DE) Sozialwissenschaftliches Institut der EKD Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Hille, E.M., Bleher, H., Coppers, B., Engelhardt, S., Eskofier, B., Garbe, L.,... Braun, M. (2026). Exploring Attitudes Toward AI-Based Contactless Sensors in Health Among Five Stakeholder Groups: Qualitative Study. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.2196/75783

MLA:

Hille, Eva Maria, et al. "Exploring Attitudes Toward AI-Based Contactless Sensors in Health Among Five Stakeholder Groups: Qualitative Study." Journal of Medical Internet Research 28.1 (2026).

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