AI integration in nursing practice: striking a balance between technology and the human touch

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) marks a transformative era in the landscape of health care, promising unprecedented advancements in clinical decision-making and patient outcomes. In nursing, where human interaction and compassionate care are foundational, the integration of AI poses both opportunities and challenges. As nurses navigate this technological revolution, it becomes increasingly crucial to strike a delicate balance between leveraging AI's capabilities and preserving the human touch that characterises nursing care.

To effectively manage AI's integration in nursing, the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) (2023) has emphasised the need for robust regulatory frameworks and enhanced expertise. This aligns with the Regulatory Horizons Council's (2022) call for comprehensive regulatory strategies tailored to AI as a Medical Device (AIaMD), ensuring these technologies are not only effective but also safe and equitable in their deployment.

In the UK, AI health technologies are increasingly recognised as pivotal in meeting rising healthcare demands and improving service efficiency, as outlined in initiatives such as the NHS Long Term Plan (NHS England, 2019). The advent of AI in nursing brings forth a wave of innovation, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, streamlining administrative tasks, and facilitating personalised patient care – all positive aspects of AI that are recognised by UK clinicians (Fazakarley et al, 2023). Indeed, AI-powered systems can analyse vast amounts of patient data swiftly, identify patterns that may not be apparent to human eyes, and offer evidence-based recommendations for treatment. For example, predictive analytics can assist nurses in anticipating patient deterioration, allowing for more proactive interventions that improve patient safety and outcomes.