Most nurses consider AI tools useful; Skeptics remain in a large-scale nursing study

A national survey of nurses’ attitudes toward the implementation of artificial intelligence in healthcare shows that despite general optimism, there is notable hesitation.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they would like to see more AI tools in their work, according to a McKinsey-American Nurses Foundation collaboration report for more than 7,000 nurses.

About 4%, or 250, of respondents worked in skilled nursing facilities, a number not far removed from the total percentage of American nurses employed at SNFs (6%).

Although providers are typically looking for ways to ensure that a AI investment will give them a guaranteed return, nurses are more concerned about how the technology will impact their daily routines.

Seventy percent of respondents said AI would be very helpful in medication management, and the same number said it would be very helpful in eliminating tasks and increasing job satisfaction.

Many nurses said they see where AI could ease their burden, but some said they are wary of the newness of it all.

Nurses’ top three concerns when using AI were accuracy, the absence of human interaction, and uncertainty about its use.

That reluctance mimics what adults 50 or older across the country are thinking. About 74% middle-aged and older Americans said they wouldn’t trust health information generated by AI, according to another survey.

This reality presents an opportunity for nurses to play an important role in changing the narrative, experts emphasize.

Along with the 69% of nurse participants who think AI would be very helpful in educating residents and patients, the report noted that 73% of respondents think a nurse’s opinion is valuable in design and optimization of an AI tool. More than two-thirds (69%) of survey participants say that having evidence that AI is efficient for resident and patient safety is imperative to addressing the concerns of both residents and nurses.

An industry veteran emphasized this week that the end goal – better outcomes for residents – should not be lost sight of when considering AI in long-term care.

“Every industry is investing in technology, and they’re doing so because it’s the way to maximize the impact of the organization’s investment of time, energy and money,” said Bill Charnetski, executive vice president of healthcare system solutions and government affairs at PointClickCare, during a meeting presentation at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting on Monday. “But it also optimizes residents’ lives and experiences in skilled nursing facilities.”

This article originally appeared on McKnight’s long-term care news