Enhancing Competencies of Nursing Students in Pain Management Education Through Artificial Intelligence (AI): A...

Effective pain management is a vital aspect of quality nursing care, requiring sound knowledge, assessment skills, clinical judgment, and patient-centered communication. With advances in healthcare technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful educational tool to enhance competency-based learning in pain management.

This narrative review explores how AI integration in nursing education impacts the development of pain management competencies among nursing students.

A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords such as "artificial intelligence," "pain management," "nursing education," and "competencies." Of the 172 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria after screening using Rayyan software.

The selected studies highlight key AI applications including simulation-based learning, real-time feedback, clinical decision support, personalized modules, and automated assessment tools. These approaches help develop core competencies such as accurate pain assessment, critical thinking, reflective practice, and patient education. AI also enhances engagement through interactive and tailored learning experiences, supporting better knowledge retention.

Integrating AI into pain management education equips nursing students with essential clinical skills, promoting higher competence and confidence in managing pain. Ongoing research is vital to explore both the benefits and potential challenges of AI integration to ensure its safe and effective use in nursing curricula.

AI enhances the accuracy in pain assessment, supports clinical decisions, encourages reflective practice, and fosters empathy. It prepares nurses for digital healthcare environments and contributes to improved patient outcomes.