Nursing students' readiness and anxiety regarding medical artificial intelligence: A mixed-methods study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Artificial Intelligence
• Healthcare Technology Adoption

Background:

• The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare necessitates understanding the preparedness of future healthcare professionals.
• Nursing students' perspectives on AI are crucial for effective implementation and addressing potential anxieties.
• Clinical Trial Registration: NCT06623448.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess nursing students' readiness for Medical Artificial Intelligence (AI).
• To evaluate the levels of Artificial Intelligence Anxiety among nursing students.
• To explore student perceptions regarding AI's role in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive mixed-method study was conducted with 358 nursing students from two faculties.
• Quantitative data were collected using the Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale and Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale.
• Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus groups with 19 participants, analyzed alongside quantitative findings.

Main Results:

• Overall AI awareness score was 75.05 ± 11.805, and AI anxiety score was 49.59 ± 11.263.
• Qualitative data revealed nursing students' concerns about AI, categorized into complementary and convergent themes.
• Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated, showing a convergence in understanding AI's impact.

Conclusions:

• Nursing students demonstrate readiness for AI, perceiving it as a facilitator that enhances productivity.
• Despite readiness, students expressed various concerns regarding AI implementation in healthcare.
• Qualitative and quantitative data corroborated each other, providing a comprehensive view of student preparedness and anxiety.