Within the last few years, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has seen some incredible advancements and innovations. As a result, AI has been adopted by a growing number of industries and disciplines, and the healthcare field is no exception.
As AI continues to transform healthcare, nurses must also be prepared to adapt to these new technologies and utilize AI in their own practice. With a better understanding of the current state of artificial intelligence in nursing and clear examples of artificial intelligence in nursing, current and prospective nurses can be prepared to provide the best care possible.
The Evolution of AI in Healthcare
Although AI has certainly peaked in popularity within the last few years, the reality is that it is not a new concept in healthcare. In fact, theoretical concepts of AI and machine learning have been used for decades.
A Brief History of AI Developments
While the term “artificial intelligence” was coined in the mid-1950s, it wasn’t until the early 1970s that AI applications were first used in healthcare. It was during this time that an AI program was used to help identify potential treatments for blood infections.
From there, many breakthroughs in AI technology have directly influenced healthcare. This includes the emergence of AI-powered medical imaging and the increasing sophistication of natural language processing (NLP) as a means of analyzing medical records and literature.
Milestones in AI and Nursing Interactions
Over the years, we have also seen several examples of artificial intelligence in nursing, including patient monitoring and medication management. Specifically, AI innovations like remote patient monitoring and medication management software have improved patient care and safety while freeing up nurses’ valuable time.
Today, AI has even evolved to provide support to nurses in such areas as clinical decision-making, patient education, and more.
Understanding AI Technologies in Nursing
As AI technologies have advanced, they have become increasingly useful in automating everyday nursing tasks. From the use of machine learning and deep learning to natural language processing and robotics, more AI technologies are being incorporated into nurses’ daily roles.
Types of AI Technologies Used in Nursing Today
Some specific types of AI tools and applications being increasingly relied upon by nurses include:
- AI-powered clinical decision support systems.
- Virtual nursing assistants.
- Predictive analytics for patient risk assessment.
- Robotic process automation for administrative tasks.
- Smart wearables for patient monitoring, such as ECG monitors and blood pressure monitors.
Impact of AI on Nursing Practices
In many ways, AI is reshaping the role of nurses, allowing them to work more efficiently and productively while focusing on more complex aspects of patient care.
Enhancing Patient Diagnosis and Treatment Plans
For example, AI-powered diagnostic tools can be used to assist nurses in diagnosing and treating patients more efficiently. These tools can analyze a wide range of patient data, including lab results and medical images, to provide accurate diagnoses and recommendations for treatment.
Streamlining Administrative Tasks for Nurses
Meanwhile, AI-powered tools have also made it possible to automate numerous routine and manual administrative tasks such as scheduling, data entry, and documentation. This then frees up nurses’ valuable and limited time for direct patient care and other critical tasks.
AI-Powered Diagnostic Tools
AI-powered diagnostic tools are also being incorporated into healthcare as a means of leveraging machine learning and deep learning. From there, these tools can quickly and effectively analyze patient data, working to identify patterns that may aid in diagnosis and treatment planning.
Enhancing Clinical Decision-Making With AI
Nurses must make clinical care decisions on a regular basis, and these decisions can have a major impact on a patient’s recovery and wellness. Today, AI is being used to provide evidence-based recommendations, as well as predicting patient outcomes and alerting nurses to potential complications to watch for.
Skills Nurses Need to Thrive in an AI-Enhanced Healthcare Environment
Current and future generations of nurses will need to be able to work effectively alongside AI technologies. This will mean possessing both technical and non-technical skills to work successfully in the dynamic healthcare landscape.
Technical Skills for Operating AI Tools
Nurses will need to have the technical competencies to operate, interpret, and utilize AI-powered tools in their everyday work. Nurses may even want to pursue specific training, education, or certification in such applicable AI tools as expert systems, deep learning systems, and generative AI.
H3: Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
Even with AI doing more of the interpretation and clinical decision-making, nurses still need to possess strong critical thinking skills when evaluating AI-generated results and recommendations. Specifically, nurses will need to exercise their clinical judgment to complement AI insights and ensure patient safety, rather than following AI recommendations blindly.
Adapting to New Technologies
Inevitably, new AI technologies will continue to emerge and be applied to nursing. The most successful nurses will be those able to remain adaptable and find ways to embrace these innovations as they arise. This can be done by committing to a culture of continuous improvement within your profession with the understanding that you are never truly done learning.
Maintaining Patient-Centered Care
Although AI tools can be extremely useful in automating and enhancing many manual nursing tasks, nursing professionals must continue to prioritize patient-centered care at all times. This can be done by carefully balancing the use of AI tools with a continuous sense of empathy, personalized care, and compassion for patients that AI simply cannot replicate.
Keeping Up With Continuous Learning
As new advancements and AI technologies emerge, nurses will also need to remain engaged in continuous learning to stay up to date on the latest advancements and innovations. This will empower them to stay relevant, informed, and ready to take on the unique challenges of the job.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
Many nurses and healthcare professionals feel some understandable resistance to adapting AI integration in the workplace. However, nurses must work to overcome their inherent resistance to change with the acknowledgement that AI systems are here to stay. By working to embrace a positive attitude toward these technologies, nurses can reach their full potential.
Utilizing Data and Analytics
Despite advancements in AI, there will always be a need for nurses to possess strong data literacy and analytical skills. This way, nurses can effectively utilize data generated by AI tools to improve patient outcomes, make informed decisions, and prioritize safety.
Ethical Considerations in AI Application in Nursing
Although AI has the potential to improve nursing and patient care in numerous ways, there are still some challenges and ethical dilemmas to consider. Some examples include:
- Issues surrounding patient data privacy and security.
- Potential for algorithm bias.
- Accountability for AI-driven decisions.
- Potential impact of AI on the nurse-patient relationship.
Privacy and Security Concerns
There are some understandable concerns around AI technology as it relates to patient privacy and security risks. One of the biggest concerns among many is the risk of cyberattacks, which can compromise sensitive patient data and healthcare information. Meanwhile, healthcare facilities utilizing AI platforms must ensure that they are remaining in compliance with HIPAA and similar regulations.
Navigating the Human-AI Interaction in Patient Care
Another concern with using AI in nursing is the potential for nurses to become overly reliant on AI, possibly even to the point of losing that important sense of humanity and sincerity that has historically existed between nurses and patients. There is also some concern of nurses struggling to find a balance between these technologies and their own judgment.
Preparing the Nursing Workforce for AI Integration
Fortunately, there are some strategies already being implemented in the workforce to prepare nurses for the adoption of AI industry wide.
Training Programs and Continued Education
Many nursing schools, professional organizations, and healthcare institutions are now providing specific training as it relates to common AI technologies used in nursing. These training and educational resources can help equip nurses with the AI competencies they need to use AI safely and effectively in the field.
Role of Leadership in Facilitating AI Adoption
At the end of the day, nurse leaders and healthcare administrators play the most critical role in facilitating AI adoption across the nursing field. That’s because these leaders are the ones who have the power to truly foster a culture of innovation, provide support and resources for successful AI adoption, and address concerns/questions from nursing staff along the way.
The Future of Nursing in an AI-Driven Healthcare System
If the last few years are any indication, it is likely that AI will continue to evolve and transform nursing practice as we know it.
Predictions and Trends for AI in Nursing
There are plenty of potential trends and innovations already being researched when it comes to AI in nursing. These technologies could have a huge impact on nursing and include AI-powered robots, the use of virtual reality in training scenarios, and advancements in clinic decision support software.
How Nurses Can Stay Ahead of the Curve
Nurses will be tasked with staying on top of advancements in AI as they emerge, which will require diligence and a commitment to continuous learning. Nurses should be prepared to actively participate in discussions about the ethical use of AI in nursing. They should also learn about new technologies and volunteer for training opportunities as they arise.
Learn More About Nursing at Marymount University
AI has really transformed the way nurses work and care for patients in the last few years. While only time will tell what the future holds for AI in nursing, it is likely that AI’s role and influence will only continue to grow. More than ever, nurses will need to be prepared to adapt to new technologies in the workplace, using them to optimize their own nursing practice and patient care.
Looking to further your nursing education and advance your career prospects? It may be time to pursue a nursing degree. At Marymount University, we offer a number of nursing degree programs to suit your needs, including our Bachelor of Science in Nursing that’s available in a traditional format, transfer format, or as an accelerated second-degree program.
If you already have your bachelor’s degree in nursing, consider taking your education to the next level with an online MSN-FNP program or any of our other online Master’s in Nursing programs. Get in touch to learn more about any of Marymount University’s nursing programs or start your online application today.
Sources
https://marymount.edu/academics/nursing/bachelor-of-science-in-nursing/
https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/index.html
https://info.marymount.edu/apply-to-marymount
https://www.xsolis.com/blog/the-evolution-of-ai-in-healthcare/
