In modern Western philosophy, sentience is the ability to experience sensations. In different Asian religions, the word 'sentience' has been used to translate a variety of concepts. In science fiction, the word 'sentience' is sometimes used interchangeably with sapience, self awareness or consciousness.

In 2020 a team of clinical psychologists, and technology solution providers combined their expertise to develop an innovative and proactive programme and service to gain insight into employee wellness as well as obtain employee feedback around organisational issues and needs. Sentience Health, has used a unique combination of psychology and technology to create an employee feedback program to serve as an effective platform to allow leaders to hear directly from staff and gain insight into organisational culture as well as monitor staff wellness.