Title : Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its impact on nursing: Challenges and opportunities
Abstract:
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery and has significant implications for the nursing profession. AI technologies, including predictive analytics, clinical decision support systems, virtual assistants, robotics, and automated documentation tools, are increasingly being integrated into hospitals, community care, and home health services. These innovations offer opportunities to improve patient outcomes, enhance efficiency, reduce administrative burden, and support nurses in making more accurate and timely clinical decisions. AI can also assist with workforce planning, early detection of patient deterioration, medication management, and personalized care planning. However, the growing use of AI in nursing presents important challenges. Concerns exist regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, algorithmic bias, ethical decision-making, and the potential loss of human interaction in patient care. Nurses may also face anxiety about job displacement, increased reliance on technology, and the need for new digital competencies. Ensuring that AI systems are transparent, evidence-based, and aligned with patient-centred values is essential. Education and training will play a critical role in preparing nurses to work effectively alongside AI. Ultimately, AI should be viewed as a tool to augment rather than replace nursing practice, preserving compassion and human judgement at the centre of care.
