EXPLORING AWARENESS AND ATTITUDE AMONG NURSES TOWARDS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FATIMA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL LAHORE PAKISTAN

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare holds promise to address these issues by integrating real-world data-driven insights into patient care processes. Globally, healthcare systems strive to provide the highest quality of care at a reasonable cost while guaranteeing widespread access for all populations.

Objective: The study aims to assess the attitude and level of awareness among nurses toward AI.

Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted across the Fatima Memorial Hospital in Lahore, Pakistan to gather insights from nurses regarding AI. Data collection occurred within three-month period using an adapted structured questionnaire. The study sample included 171 registered nurses, each with at least one year of clinical experience, selected through convenience sampling. The survey was divided into three key sections: demographic data, an evaluation of participants' knowledge about artificial intelligence, and a scale measuring their general attitudes toward AI.

Results: Nurses displayed “High awareness” toward AI technology, with 95.3% having basic information about AI and only 74.3% (127 nurses) were considered “aware” of AI as they dealt with one of its healthcare applications. 49.1% Nurses expressed openness to AI integration on one side, but also had some concerns about AI. Nurses expressed conservative attitudes toward AI, with significant differences observed based on years of nursing experience (χ² = 8.07, p < 0.05). However, other demographic characteristics did not reveal significant variations in attitudes.

Conclusion: Healthcare leaders should boost nurses' AI awareness and promote its integration into practice. Addressing concerns about AI control, especially across generations, as younger nurses are generally more tech-positive is essential. Change management can help to ease adoption barriers.