Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) replace Nurses?

Artificial intelligence, commonly referenced as "AI" in conversation, is on the minds of everyone. There are many perspectives on what one expects will happen with the use of AI in society. 

A question that I have been asked indirectly and directly is, "will AI replace nurses?"

At a keynote several months ago, I brought this question up. I spoke to the audience and said, "you want to know, will AI replace nurses? or When are the robots coming?"

The audience immediately showed signs that they were having these thoughts and concerns. Some smiles and laughs emerged as they recognized that I understood their concerns. 

Well, before I answer that directly, I'd ask you to consider the foundations of nursing. 

Nursing is the science of caring. The quality of care delivered to patients is highly dependent upon the way in which we know the patient and individualize care. 

From a patient perspective, we want (and expect) to be known by our nurse to empathize with our care needs in the context of our lives, not just the condition or diagnosis at the time. 

Caring, quality, individualized, and empathize are four key words stated above that are essential for human health care delivery. Together these concept allow us to form relationships with the patient. 

AI is a specific sector of the broad field of information technology. We currently depend on technology in healthcare delivery to assist in managing data, information, knowledge and wisdom in tandem with our own knowledge, wisdom, experience, assessment skills, and decision making abilities (to name a few areas).

Thus, AI will assist us in how we provide care. AI will also likely augment how we provide care. However, AI will not replace the need for or the role of the nurse and other healthcare professionals. 

The best way that you can ensure that nursing continues to drive care delivery for the benefit of your role and the patient's health outcomes is to advocate for ways in which AI could (and could not) enhance and improve the way in which you are able to provide quality individualized patient care. 

To learn more about AI, consider joining iCare's AI:101 program here.