Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into the healthcare sector, including the field of nursing. Indeed, the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, appears to think that AI is the solution to many of the UK’s economics woes. Given this, the latest EBN theme focuses on AI in healthcare looking at the pros and cons of using this technology.

Our latest editorial by Sue Tranka, the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, discusses how she sees AI as the new frontier for nursing. Ben Parkinson has also pulled together a resources page to accompany this editorial.

Over the past couple of years, we have published a number of commentaries summarising research studies focused on the use of AI in nursing. These are listed in Box 1. Several other EBN papers mention AI demonstrating the need to discuss its use in healthcare.

Box 1: Commentaries relating to research about the use of AI in healthcare

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Harnessing artificial intelligence for suicidality detection

Artificial intelligence integration in critical care nursing

Embracing artificial intelligence in nursing education: preparing future nurses for a technologically advanced healthcare landscape

Engaging nurses in developing generative artificial intelligence-based technologies can enhance their work motivation, engagement and satisfaction

Trust and confidence of clinical staff and patients is crucial for the successful introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental healthcare

Ghost in the inbox: AI may help alleviate the burden of patient messages

Use of AI to enhance written information in paediatric settings—stochastic parrot or clinical tool?

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Two opinion pieces have been commissioned especially for this theme. The first by Andy Barker from the University of Hull discusses artificial intelligence in health education within higher education institutions. The second opinion piece will be online soon and is by Anny Chen from the National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan on Integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Nursing Practice: Opportunities, Methods, and Challenges.

Our latest research made simple is by Daniel Rodger and Siobhan O’Connor and focuses on using artificial intelligence in health research.

Two of our blogs focus on the use of AI in nurses’ professional development:

• Transforming Healthcare and Higher Education with Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Revolutionizing Nursing Professional Development: Unveiling the Power of Generative AI, ALM, and Machine Learning

As part of our AI theme two more blogs will be published:

• Catherine Jenkins reflects on the impact AI could have on the lives of people living with dementia (4^th May)
• The patient safety implications of using AI in healthcare will be discussed in a blog by Gerry Bolger due for release on 8^th June. 

I hope that you find this EBN content helpful as you think through the pros and cons of using AI in healthcare.

 

Personal reflections

My reflections on the use of AI in healthcare are that while AI offers some benefits, it also brings challenges that need to be carefully managed (Box 2).

 

Box 2: The pros and cons of using AI in healthcare

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Pros: One of the key benefits of AI in nursing is its ability to increase efficiency. AI-powered systems can streamline administrative tasks such as documentation, scheduling and medication administration, allowing nurses to spend more time on patient care. AI tools can also help monitor patients through wearable technology, providing real-time data and alerts that can lead to faster intervention. Clinical decision support systems powered by AI can help nurses make more accurate assessments by analysing large amounts of data to identify patterns and potential risks. This can improve patient outcomes and reduce errors. AI can also be used in training and simulations, providing realistic scenarios that allow carers to develop their skills in a controlled environment.

Disadvantages: Despite its benefits, there are also concerns about AI in nursing. One major issue is the risk of over-reliance on technology, which could lead to a reduction in nurses’ critical thinking and hands-on experience. In addition, AI systems can sometimes make inaccurate or biassed recommendations, especially if the data used to train them is flawed. Privacy and data security are further issues, as the use of AI involves the collection and analysis of sensitive patient data. Nurses also need to adapt to new technologies, which can be stressful and requires ongoing training. Further, the human element of nursing — empathy, compassion and personal relationships — cannot be replicated by machines. Overuse of AI could lead to the depersonalisation of care, which is a core aspect of the nursing profession.

To summarise, while AI has the potential to support and improve nursing practise, it must be used with caution and with ethical, practical and emotional considerations in mind.

Dr Alison Twycross RN PhD

Editor in Chief: Evidence Based Nursing

Email: a.m.twycross@bham.ac.uk