Artificial intelligence and robot nurses: From nurse managers' perspective: A descriptive cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Management
• Healthcare Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background:

• The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and robot nurses is increasing in Turkey.
• Nurse managers are crucial in guiding nurses through technological advancements.
• This study addresses the need to understand nurse managers' perspectives on these emerging technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To ascertain nurse managers' opinions regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and robot nurses.
• To explore nurse managers' expectations about the role of AI and robots in nursing.
• To identify potential challenges and benefits from a management perspective.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using an online questionnaire.
• Data were collected from 326 nurse managers between September and November 2021.
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to examine demographic differences.

Main Results:

• 66.9% of nurse managers had prior awareness of AI and robot nurses.
• 67.2% believed robot nurses would benefit the nursing profession.
• A significant majority (86.2%) doubted that robots would entirely replace human nurses.

Conclusions:

• Nurse managers perceive AI and robot nurses as beneficial tools that will augment, not replace, nursing staff.
• AI and robot nurses are expected to reduce the workload of nurses.
• Proactive planning for AI and robot nurse integration, including risk assessment and in-service training, is recommended to address patient safety and ethical concerns.