In the rapidly evolving world of healthcare, where generative AI, robotics, and digital technologies are becoming integral to patient care, the role of touch as a cornerstone of nursing practice must not be forgotten. My team’s discussion paper explored this vital question, emphasizing that while technology advances, the heart of nursing remains firmly rooted in person-centered care. For Filipino nurses, whose culture of caring is renowned worldwide, this concept resonates deeply, intertwining professional practice with a cultural ethos of compassion.
Consider the case of Maria, an elderly patient receiving treatment in a high-tech hospital. Machines efficiently monitored her vitals, and generative AI offered precise diagnostics. Yet, she felt isolated, her emotional needs unmet. Her Filipino nurse, Rosa, recognized Maria’s distress. A simple act—a reassuring touch on Maria’s hand—brought solace, bridging the gap between clinical care and human connection. This interaction exemplifies how touch is not just physical but an emotional lifeline, embodying the essence of Filipino caregiving.
In contemporary nursing, the focus on clinical skills and technological proficiency often overshadows the psychological and emotional dimensions of care. This shift risks eroding the connection between the patient and the nurse at the core of nursing. The Filipino approach to caregiving—rooted in the value of malasakit (deep empathy and compassion)—is a powerful reminder that touch transcends physical contact. It communicates presence, empathy, and solidarity, providing comfort that no machine can replicate.
As the nursing profession embraces the technological revolution, a conscientious balance must be maintained. Generative AI and other innovations are invaluable tools, streamlining workflows and enhancing precision in diagnostics and treatment. However, nurses must ensure these technologies augment rather than replace the human aspects of care. The nurses’ touch—both literal and figurative—anchors the nurse-patient relationship, ensuring that patients feel valued as individuals, not merely as data points or clinical cases.
St. Teresa of Calcutta’s wisdom sheds light on this: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” In nursing, the small act of touch carries profound meaning. It embodies love, presence, and reassurance—qualities that lie at the heart of Filipino culture and the global essence of human care.
Nurses also bear the responsibility of shaping how technology is integrated into practice. By participating in the development and implementation of healthcare innovations, they can safeguard the humanness of care. Filipino nurses, with their unparalleled reputation for compassionate caregiving, are uniquely positioned to lead this effort. Their ability to combine clinical expertise with cultural empathy makes them invaluable advocates for preserving the nurse-patient connection in the face of increasing technological reliance.
Human touch will always be an irreplaceable component of nursing. As healthcare becomes more technology-driven, the challenge lies in ensuring that humanity remains at its core. Filipino nurses exemplify how to achieve this balance, bringing cultural values of malasakit to a global stage. By consciously integrating technology without sacrificing the nurse-patient connection, nurses can ensure that future care remains efficient, empathetic, and deeply human. In doing so, they honor not only their profession but also the timeless calling to serve with love and compassion.
This opinion piece is written by Joseph Andrew T. Pepito, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor IV at the College of Allied and Medical Sciences, Cebu Doctors’ University.
Reference:
Pepito JAT, Babate FJG, Dator WLT. The nurses’ touch: An irreplaceable component of caring. Nurs Open. 2023 Sep;10(9):5838-5842. doi: 10.1002/nop2.1860. Epub 2023 May 31. PMID: 37255491; PMCID: PMC10416036.
