Nurses’ perceptions of artificial intelligence use in clinical practice: a qualitative study

Aim. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) raises several uncertainties about its impact on nursing and health care in general. To date, not much attention has been paid to the views of practicing nurses on the use of this technology, leaving a research gap in this area. The aim of the study was to explore nurses’ current perceptions of the use of AI in their profession and examine the associated benefits and ethical considerations of this technological innovation. Material and methods. A qualitative, exploratory design was used. Fifteen Slovenian nurses submitted their written reflections and participated in two focus groups on this topic. Results. The following three themes were identified: AI limitations (categories: Empathy and Communication, and Clinical Reasoning), potential benefits of AI (categories: Work Efficiency and Improving Nursing as a Discipline), and social & managerial concerns (categories: Acceptance of AI and Implementation and Use). Conclusions. The identified themes and categories direct the process of adopting the innovation of AI in nursing and reflect its specificity. Furthermore, they highlight the need for a paradigm shift in nursing that can be expected with the use of this technology in clinical nursing practice.