Nurses' perspectives on barriers to artificial intelligence integration in clinical practice: a qualitative...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks, and improving patient care. However, the integration of AI into clinical practice faces significant barriers, particularly in nursing. Nurses, like frontline healthcare providers, are uniquely positioned to observe and experience these challenges. Understanding their perspectives can offer valuable insights into the obstacles hindering AI adoption in nursing practice, especially within acute care settings.

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of nurses regarding the barriers to integrating AI technologies into clinical practice.

A qualitative design.

A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed to capture nurses lived experiences. Twenty nurses were recruited through purposive sampling from 20 healthcare institutions (eight tertiary care hospitals, eleven general hospitals, and one district hospital) in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Data were collected over a three-month period (April to June 2025) using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Transcripts were analyzed using van Manen's reflective methodology. The conceptual framework incorporated the Technology Acceptance Model, emphasizing perceived usefulness and ease of use, while also considering the cultural and infrastructural context.

The study identified three major themes: (i) knowledge and awareness gaps, (ii) organizational barriers, and (iii) ethical and interpersonal concerns. Nurses highlighted a lack of AI-focused education, inadequate institutional support, and concerns about privacy and dehumanization of care. Misconceptions about AI's capabilities and exclusion from AI-related decision-making processes further contributed to resistance and skepticism.

The study underscores the need for targeted reforms in nursing education to include comprehensive AI training. Addressing organizational and ethical barriers, such as providing adequate resources, robust privacy measures, and inclusive policies, is crucial. By empowering nurses and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, healthcare systems can leverage AI effectively while preserving human-centered care.