AI’s integration into healthcare is both promising and rife with challenges.
And this couldn’t be more true for AI and nursing. As both an art and science that encompasses empathy, compassion and a profound level of care for others, nursing is at the heart of patient care.
With the proliferation of AI in the healthcare sector, a fascinating research paper, Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nursing, helps give some insight into the impact of AI on nursing.
Let’s unpack the potential of AI in healthcare and expose some of those hurdles.
AI: A New Assistant in the Healthcare Realm
AI is certainly not a one-trick pony. While robots and LLMs are at the forefront of the media, there are an ever-growing list of use cases starting to crop up.
In the healthcare industry, it is becoming an invaluable tool for health workers by aiding in both diagnoses and streamlining services.
According to the paper, AI models trained to detect tumours are now outperforming human pathologists in some cases. This not only leads to more accurate diagnoses but also translates into significant cost savings for hospitals by reducing misdiagnoses.
“AI models trained to detect tumours showed higher accuracy compared to human pathologists and could result in cost savings for hospitals by reducing misdiagnosis”.
And AI isn’t only limited to diagnostics. Nurse robots (yes, you read that correctly) are becoming a practical application of AI. They can already perform basic care tasks like helping patients move from bed to wheelchair or even giving medication.
Before the panic ensues – these robots are designed to be an extension of the nursing team. They simply assist in handling routine tasks and allow human nurses to focus on more complex patient care.
“Nurse robots cannot perform critical tasks such as providing Medical Care, Conducting Medical Interventions and evaluating patient conditions. These tasks still have to be done by professional nurses,” the paper reveals.
Encouraging Healthcare Workers to Embrace AI
Like with many other industries, integrating AI into healthcare is not without hiccups. One significant barrier is the reluctance among healthcare workers to incorporate this technology into their practice.
And we’re all aware of the big, looming concern: AI might replace human roles. Many professionals also fear that the technology might fail to perform tasks with the same level of care and empathy that a human can provide.
According to the paper, “The need to understand technology by health professionals is essential. Health professionals need to understand how AI technology works and its benefits before using it effectively… Some healthcare professionals still need to be more confident to replace their jobs with technology. They are concerned that AI will not be able to perform tasks that humans do.”
As such, it is vital to educate healthcare workers about the role of AI as a tool rather than a replacement. Comprehensive training programs can help demystify AI and demonstrate its potential to enhance, rather than replace, the human aspects of care.
By understanding the mechanics and benefits of AI, healthcare workers may feel more comfortable and confident in using this technology as part of their toolkit.
Navigating the Ethical Landscape of AI in Nursing
The use of AI in healthcare raises several ethical concerns.
Key among these is the potential misuse of patient data and the implications for patient privacy. As AI systems require extensive data to operate effectively, there is a critical need to handle this information responsibly and transparently.
Moreover, while AI can help to create personalised care plans based on data, it cannot replace the human touch that is central to nursing. The potential loss of this human element in patient care is a significant concern and highlights the need for a balanced approach to AI integration.
Additionally, AI algorithms, like all technologies, are not infallible.
There is a risk of bias or inaccuracies in AI systems, which could adversely affect patient care. Continuous education and rigorous algorithm testing are essential to mitigate these risks.
The Organisational Upside of AI Integration
For healthcare organisations, the integration of AI can yield substantial benefits.
By automating time-consuming tasks such as data entry and documentation, AI allows nurses to devote more time to direct patient care. This not only improves patient outcomes but also can lead to significant cost savings for healthcare institutions.
Moreover, AI can help nurses manage their workloads more effectively by prioritising tasks based on patient needs and acuity.
This kind of support can lead to increased staff satisfaction, as nurses can focus more on patient care and less on administrative burdens.
Furthermore, the integration of AI is not limited to healthcare.
As the paper suggests, AI is optimising efficiency across various sectors, including manufacturing, transportation, and retail. With the continued development of AI, IoT, and 5G technologies, the potential for organisational benefits is vast and continually expanding.
Make AI Work For Your Organisation
We are at a pivotal juncture in the integration of AI into healthcare.
The potential benefits are immense, offering a future where healthcare is more efficient, effective, and patient-centred.
However, this future is contingent on addressing significant challenges, including workforce training, ethical considerations, and data management.
As AI continues to evolve, it is critical for healthcare professionals and organisations to engage with this technology thoughtfully and responsibly. Always with the best interests of patients at heart.
If your business needs guidance with taking the necessary steps to make AI work – then we can help you. Our cloud, data and ML engineering specialists all have the talent and determination to make your organisation succeed with AI.
