In recent years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology have made their way into just about every industry imaginable. Nursing and healthcare have been no exceptions. Today, nurses and aspiring nurses need to be prepared for what the future may hold in terms of AI and nursing, as well as how to leverage these technologies to improve patient care.
So, what exactly does AI in nursing entail, what are some of the challenges involved in combining AI and nursing. To add, how can nurses leverage this technology to provide the best patient care possible?
Understanding AI in Healthcare
AI in healthcare refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies across nearly every aspect of the field. This includes not just AI as it relates to providing healthcare to patients, but in administrative activities, compliance/adherence, and much more.
Applications of AI in Healthcare
There are many ways in which AI is already being used in healthcare. Diagnostic AI, for example, is now being used to help medical professionals make more timely and accurate diagnoses, which can also improve treatment and patient outcomes. Meanwhile, AI can also be used in healthcare administration by automating many time-consuming and laborious tasks.
Current Trends and Developments of AI in Nursing Practice
In nursing practice specifically, we’re already beginning to see many exciting developments in AI technology. This includes, for instance, the use of AI-powered predictive analytics to detect diseases early, plus the use of virtual health assistants to provide patient education resources and even help monitor patients remotely.
The Role of Nurses in the Era of AI
As AI nursing evolves and changes, so does the inherent role of human nurses. So, what are nurses expected to be able to do in the new era of AI?
Understanding AI Algorithms and Data Interpretation
For starters, nurses need to be able to understand different AI algorithms and how they can be used to interpret data. Because more patient data is being collected than ever before, AI technologies are being applied by nurses to help them make data-driven decisions and improve patient care.
Implementing AI-Driven Clinical Decision Support Systems
Similarly, nurses have a strong obligation to be able to understand and implement AI-driven clinical decision support systems within their own workplaces. More healthcare facilities are beginning to rely on these support systems to help nurses make better informed care decisions. So, being able to understand how these platforms work and how to best utilize them is critical as a nurse in today’s era of AI.
Monitoring and Evaluating AI-Generated Insights for Patient Care
One of the most important applications of AI nursing is to generate insights for patient care based on specific patient data and other information. Of course, nurses cannot be expected to follow AI-generated insights and guidance blindly. Instead, they must have the first-hand knowledge, experience, and critical-thinking skills to monitor and evaluate these insights independently.
Collaborating With Multidisciplinary Teams to Optimize AI Integration
As AI solutions are researched and implemented into healthcare facilities, nurses also have an important responsibility to collaborate and work with multidisciplinary teams to optimize the integration of these systems as much as possible. This may mean working alongside other nurses, doctors, and even administrative staff to help things go as smoothly as possible.
Advocating for Patient-Centered AI Solutions in Healthcare Settings
Finally, nurses take on the role of advocate when it comes to choosing patient-centered AI solutions in healthcare settings. When facilities are determining which AI solutions may best suit their needs and the needs of their patients, nurse experience and input can be extremely important here.
Preparing for the Future: How Nurses Can Embrace AI
As we’ve seen in recent years, AI is continuously changing the landscape of careers. As a result, it’s more important than ever for nurses to be prepared for the future and be forward-thinking in their own planning.
Continuous Education and Training on AI Technologies
First and foremost, nurses are implored to commit to continuous education and training on AI technologies as they become available. This means never becoming complacent in your knowledge of these technologies because they are constantly evolving and developing.
Developing Skills in Data Interpretation and Analysis
One of the most important applications of AI nursing is that of data interpretation and data analysis. With this in mind, nurses need to have a solid understanding of data interpretation and analysis skills of their own. This will help nurses understand the underpinnings and frameworks of many AI platforms while also having the ability to do their own independent thinking and analysis.
Cultivating Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Abilities Alongside AI
Just as it’s important to be able to analyze and interpret your own healthcare data in the age of AI, being able to think critically and solve problems using data-driven decision-making is a must. By having these strengths, nurses can work alongside AI solutions to enhance patient care.
Ethical Considerations and Challenges of AI in Nursing
As promising as AI technology can be in the healthcare field, there are some important ethical considerations and challenges that can arise when AI is used in nursing and healthcare.
Ensuring Transparency and Accountability in AI Algorithms
First, there is the potential issue of transparency and accountability in the algorithms that are written to drive AI solutions. When it’s not known who is writing these algorithms and for what purpose, nurses and healthcare professionals alike may have a hard time being able to trust their outcomes.
Addressing Bias and Equity Issues in AI-Driven Healthcare
In some cases, AI algorithms can also be intentionally or unintentionally biased, which can create dangerous situations where patients are not treated fairly. Nurses can be prepared to combat these issues in their own workplaces by being aware of potential biases and prejudices and speaking up about them as they arise.
Balancing Autonomy and Human Oversight in AI-Assisted Care
Another key challenge when it comes to the use of AI in nursing is the need to balance autonomy with human oversight in AI-assisted care. While automations offered by AI can save healthcare workers valuable time, there is a limit to what AI should be able to do without some form of human oversight or input. Figuring out where that line should be is the challenge.
Fostering Trust and Communication Between Patients and AI Systems
Because the latest iterations of AI are still very much in their early stages of development and implementation, there is an understandable distrust between patients and AI systems in the nursing field. Nursing professionals can help to mitigate this by making sure they are providing their own oversight as much as possible and explaining to patients how these systems work to improve care.
Developing Policies and Guidelines for Ethical AI Implementation
Currently, there is very little governance or oversight of AI systems, although some states and countries have begun to create their own laws regarding AI governance. In the meantime, a lack of governance can create issues that nurses need to be aware of and mitigate as much as possible.
Real-Life Examples of AI Integration in Nursing Practice
Already, there are a number of AI solutions that have been integrated into nursing practice and healthcare as a means of streamlining operations and enhancing patient care.
AI-Powered Predictive Analytics for Early Disease Detection
One example of AI integration in nursing practice is that of AI-powered predictive analytics. This can take patient data into account with established databases of ailments and diseases to effectively predict a patient’s likelihood of developing certain medical conditions. This early disease detection can provide opportunities for prompt treatment before symptoms even begin.
Virtual Health Assistants for Patient Education and Remote Monitoring
More healthcare facilities are also turning to the use of AI-powered virtual health assistants as a means of educating patients on important healthcare topics. In some cases, these health assistants can even monitor patients remotely using wearable devices and other data-collection methods.
Robotics and Automation in Surgical and Procedural Settings
AI is also being applied to robotics and automation in both surgical and procedural settings, providing a higher level of control and precision during procedures. This can ultimately improve patient safety while optimizing healing and recovery.
How to Embrace AI as a Tool for Advancing Nursing Practice
As novel and foreign as some of these AI technologies may seem for nurses who have been in the field for some time, the reality is that AI is here to stay. As a result, nurses need to be prepared to fully embrace AI as a tool for advancing nursing practice as a whole — but how?
Emphasizing Collaboration Between Nurses and AI Technologies
First, nurses are under an obligation to keep the lines of communication and collaboration open with other healthcare professionals and even healthcare administrators. In doing so, it is possible to work as a team to implement AI technologies smoothly while addressing potential challenges and issues along the way.
Seizing Opportunities for Innovation and Improvement in Patient Care Through AI
Likewise, nurses should understand that many AI solutions are actually designed to make their jobs easier by handling tedious, time-consuming tasks and allowing nurses to focus on more important things, like caring for their patients. With this in mind, nurses should take advantage of opportunities for innovation and improvement in their patient care through the use of AI rather than seeing these new technologies as a hindrance.
Advance Your Nursing Education at Nevada State University
Only time will tell what the future holds for AI in nursing, but things are looking promising. If you’re an RN looking to advance your nursing education and acquire the skills necessary for a broader range of healthcare roles, it may be time to pursue your BSN.
Looking for the right BSN program to suit your needs and busy schedule? Nevada State University’s RN to BSN online program offers the flexibility you need while focusing on the important topics that the next generation of nursing professionals needs to master.
Learn more about our RN to BSN program by contacting us today, or get started with your online application for enrollment.