More than half of the nurses responding to a new survey by Cross Country Healthcare said they have reservations about the potential benefits of artificial intelligence in the nursing field.
The online survey of 1,127 nursing professionals and students at hospitals and other healthcare facilities was conducted Jan. 18 to March 11.
Respondents who said they are uncomfortable using AI expressed concerns about the potential absence of empathy and diminished patient connection. Those who said that they are comfortable with using AI on the job expressed a belief that the technology enhances efficiency, documentation, data analysis and research, upskilling opportunities and automated monitoring systems.
“As we navigate the future of nursing, our compass must be set on a dual course: embracing technology to propel us forward while steadfastly preserving the humanity at the core of our profession,” Cross Country President and CEO John A. Martins said. “This delicate balance is charting the course for the future of the healthcare industry.”
Almost three-fourths of participants said they have never used telehealth services, “citing doubts about their efficacy in delivering comprehensive patient care.”
Cross Country recommended that healthcare organizations better educate and train nurses to understand AI’s effects and benefits to their roles. Also, companies should ensure transparent communication from leadership, to reduce apprehension among staff members as new forms of AI come online.
Additionally, don’t forget to solicit input from nurses who are using the technology on a daily basis and to integrate their concerns into solutions, the company suggested.
“Ultimately, AI will not replace wisdom — intuition, empathy and experience. Nothing can replace the human experience,” Martins said. “However, AI has the potential to free time from routine tasks to help nursing practitioners focus more on their patients and healthcare outcomes.”
