A Concept Analysis on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Nursing

Artificial intelligence (AI) has a considerable present and future influence on healthcare. Nurses, representing the largest proportion of healthcare workers, are set to immensely benefit from this technology. However, the overall adoption of new technologies by nurses is quite slow, and the use of AI in nursing is considered to be in its infancy. The current literature on AI in nursing lacks conceptual clarity and consensus, which is affecting clinical practice, research activities, and theory development. Therefore, to set the foundations for nursing AI knowledge development, the purpose of this concept analysis is to clarify the conceptual components of AI in nursing and to determine its conceptual maturity. A concept analysis following Morse’s approach was conducted, which examined definitions, characteristics, preconditions, outcomes, and boundaries on the state of AI in nursing. A total of 18 quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods, and reviews related to AI in nursing were retrieved from the CINAHL and EMBASE databases using a Boolean search. Presently, the concept of AI in nursing is immature. The characteristics and preconditions of the use of AI in nursing are mixed between and within each other. The preconditions and outcomes on the use of AI in nursing are diverse and indiscriminately reported. As for boundaries, they can be more distinguished between robots, sensors, and clinical decision support systems, but these lines can become more blurred in the future. As of 2021, the use of AI in nursing holds much promise for the profession, but conceptual and theoretical issues remain.