Educational Applications of AI-Based Chatbots in Nursing: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Learning Environments

Background:

• Rapid advancements in generative AI and large language model chatbots are driving adoption in higher education.
• Nursing education is increasingly exploring AI-based tools to enhance learning experiences.
• This review addresses the growing integration of AI chatbots within nursing curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the utilization of AI-based chatbots in nursing education.
• To identify curricular domains, pedagogical strategies, and educational outcomes associated with AI chatbot use.
• To delineate implementation challenges and ethical considerations in integrating AI chatbots into nursing programs.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive scoping review following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology.
• Searches conducted across major bibliographic databases and grey literature sources.
• Inclusion of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies on AI chatbots in nursing education and training.

Main Results:

• Sixty-six studies published between 2019-2025 were included, with a notable increase post-2023.
• AI chatbots demonstrated benefits in learning performance, clinical reasoning, and student engagement across various educational formats.
• Key challenges identified include AI output reliability, academic integrity, data privacy, and institutional governance.

Conclusions:

• AI-based chatbots offer significant potential to augment nursing education when integrated with structured pedagogy and faculty supervision.
• These tools can foster clinical reasoning, enhance student engagement, and facilitate personalized learning pathways.
• Addressing methodological diversity, ethical issues, and governance gaps is essential for safe and effective AI chatbot integration in nursing education.