Exploring the experiences and perceptions of nursing students in utilizing artificial intelligence: a descriptive...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Medicine

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, improving diagnostics, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• Assessing nursing students' understanding of AI is crucial for identifying educational gaps, given their direct patient care roles.
• This research investigated nursing students' lived experiences with AI applications in clinical environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore nursing students' perceptions and experiences of using artificial intelligence in clinical settings.
• To identify perceived benefits and challenges associated with AI integration in nursing practice.
• To inform educational strategies for preparing future nurses for an AI-driven healthcare landscape.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive phenomenological approach was utilized.
• Eight nursing students with prior AI experience in clinical settings were purposefully selected.
• In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed using Colaizzi's seven-step method.

Main Results:

• Four major themes emerged: AI's novel potentials, ethical/security challenges, impacts on human identity and relationships, and the need for skill enhancement.
• Students recognized AI's capacity to improve patient care precision and efficiency.
• Key themes highlighted the transformative effects of AI on nursing practice and professional identity.

Conclusions:

• Nursing students acknowledge AI's significant potential to enhance patient care precision and efficiency.
• There is a clear need for enhanced nursing education and the removal of implementation barriers to optimize AI use.
• Future nursing curricula should integrate AI competencies to prepare students for evolving healthcare demands.