AI Assistants in Healthcare: A Nursing Perspective
As artificial intelligence systems become more prevalent in hospitals, many nurses are pushing back against the shift. AI programs are starting to perform tasks previously handled by nurses and medical assistants, prompting concerns about the quality of patient care and the future of the nursing profession.
These AI systems, often presented as friendly voices or helpful tools, are designed to automate time-consuming tasks. One of the primary goals is to make nurses’ work more efficient, addressing burnout and understaffing. However, nurses and their unions are concerned about this technology’s potential to override human expertise.
“Hospitals have been waiting for the moment when they have something that appears to have enough legitimacy to replace nurses,” said Michelle Mahon of National Nurses United.
Mahon also noted that the entire ecosystem is designed to automate, de-skill, and ultimately replace caregivers.
The Rise of AI in Hospitals
Artificial intelligence programs, such as those developed by Hippocratic AI, can now prepare patients for appointments and answer their questions at any time. Many hospitals are using increasingly sophisticated computer programs to monitor patients’ vital signs, identify emergencies, and create care plans.
Currently the largest nursing union in the U.S., National Nurses United, has organized numerous demonstrations across the country, advocating for nurses’ involvement in AI implementation. This group is pushing for the ability to shape how AI is used and protection from penalties if the automated advice is disregarded, highlighting the potential dangers of AI in medical settings. Some worry about AI replacing human interaction in patient situations.
Concerns and Consequences
Despite the potential benefits of AI, nurses have expressed many concerns about the technology.
Adam Hart, a nurse in Nevada described how a hospital’s computer system flagged a patient for sepsis. Though the system’s protocol required immediate fluid administration, Hart realized the patient was on dialysis. This caused him to be concerned and question the program.
“You need to keep your thinking cap on— that’s why you’re being paid as a nurse,” Hart said. “Turning over our thought processes to these devices is reckless and dangerous.”
Melissa Beebe, a cancer nurse at UC Davis Medical Center, mentioned that hospitals using AI technology are experiencing a lot of false alarms. These alarms can be distracting and it is often difficult to tell when the alert is accurate.
The Role of Human Nurses
While AI can assist in gathering information and patient communication, some experts believe it will not replace human nurses. Michelle Collins, the dean of Loyola University’s College of Nursing, also noted that technology may miss essential cues that facial expressions and odors can provide.
This potential for AI to contribute to healthcare comes as the U.S. faces a nursing shortage. More than 100,000 nurses left the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in a dramatic drop in staffing.
Examples of AI in Healthcare
AI is used for various administrative tasks. At the University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, an AI assistant from Qventus contacts patients, sends medical records, and summarizes information for staff.
“We always want to be fully transparent with our patients that sometimes they are talking to a human and sometimes they’re not,” Sanford said.
Even with the advancements in AI, there are limitations. Roschelle Fritz of the University of California Davis School of Nursing believes that chatbots may not be appropriate for all healthcare situations.
As AI continues to evolve, the healthcare industry is working to find a balance between leveraging its capabilities while preserving the vital role of human nurses.
