Digital nursing 1: exploring the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence
- Agnew, Thelma
In this article…
Artificial intelligence and its role in healthcare
How artificial intelligence-enabled technologies could change nursing
Why artificial intelligence systems need to be developed in line with ethical frameworks
Key points
Technologies powered by artificial intelligence could transform healthcare
Artificial intelligence is already informing advanced clinical decision making, such as in the detection of sepsis
In future, artificial intelligence-enabled robotics may act as assistants to nurses, freeing staff to practise at the top of their licence
Nurses should advocate for patients and make sure artificial intelligence systems do not reinforce data bias
The nursing profession needs to investigate the risks and opportunities of artificial intelligence and develop frameworks to guide practice
Abstract
Artificial intelligence is already being used to support advanced clinical decisions, improve the accuracy and safety of care, and plan and manage NHS resources. It can make machines do things that used to require human intelligence, and can draw on huge amounts of data to make calculations that are beyond any human being. Artificial intelligence-enabled robots are being developed to take on some nursing functions. Nurses need to examine how their own roles may be changed and advocate for patient involvement in light of emerging technologies. They will also need training and support to feel confident using artificial intelligence tools. This first article in a series on digital healthcare examines the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence.