Using a Socio-Technical Strategy to Identify the Use and Implications of Generative Artificial Intelligence Tools on...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education and Practice
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Socio-technical Systems

Background:

• Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools are increasingly prevalent.
• Understanding their impact on nursing is essential for future healthcare.
• A socio-technical perspective is needed to analyze these changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the use and implications of GenAI tools in nursing education and practice.
• To explore the socio-technical intricacies of GenAI adoption in nursing.
• To understand the challenges and opportunities presented by GenAI in the nursing profession.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive qualitative study utilizing online interviews.
• 32 nursing students, faculty, and practitioners were interviewed (February-April 2024).
• Data analysis employed the Framework Method.

Main Results:

• Participants reported using eight GenAI tools across seven use cases.
• GenAI impacts nursing education, presenting new pedagogical realities and mixed sentiments.
• GenAI integration into patient care, workflows, and organizational support was observed in practice.
• Capacity-building for an AI-ready workforce, ethical use, and professional advancement were identified.

Conclusions:

• GenAI tools are poised to significantly disrupt nursing practice, following their impact on education.
• Training in responsible and ethical GenAI use is imperative for nurses.
• Nurses must actively shape GenAI integration to maximize benefits and minimize risks for the profession and patient care.