The use of artificial intelligence (AI) assistants in hospitals is becoming increasingly popular, with many companies offering ways to automate time-consuming tasks usually performed by nurses and medical assistants. However, this technology has raised concerns among nursing unions, who argue that it is overriding nurses’ expertise and degrading the quality of care patients receive.
Hospitals say AI is helping their nurses work more efficiently while addressing burnout and understaffing. For example, an AI assistant created by Hippocratic AI can be contacted 24-7 in multiple languages, providing patients with support and answers to their questions. However, this technology has also been linked to false alarms and dangerous advice.
One hospital in Nevada experienced a situation where the computer system flagged a patient for sepsis, but after further examination, it was determined that the patient was not at risk. The incident highlights the need for nurses to remain vigilant and critical thinking skills.
Some hospitals are using AI assistants to contact patients and provide administrative services, such as sending and receiving medical records. However, nursing experts caution that this technology is not suitable for all patients, particularly those who are critically ill or require more personalized care.
The American Nurses Association estimates that over 100,000 nurses left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a significant staffing shortage. As hospitals face this trend, they are turning to AI assistants as a solution to help with administrative tasks and improve efficiency. However, it is essential for hospitals to strike a balance between technology and human care.
While AI can be a valuable tool in augmenting care, nursing experts emphasize the importance of preserving human interaction and critical thinking skills. As one expert noted, “It would be foolish to turn our back on this completely… We should embrace what it can do to augment our care, but we should also be careful it doesn’t replace the human element.”
Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/ai-nurses-staffing-solution-hospitals-130212301.html