Nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived challenges toward artificial intelligence applications in patient care: a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into healthcare systems; however, nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived challenges play a crucial role in its adoption in patient care. This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and perceived challenges toward AI, examine the relationships among these variables, and explore their associations with demographic characteristics and prior AI training. A descriptive analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 107 nurses working in intensive care, medical, and surgical units at Zagazig University Hospital. A purposive sampling technique was used. Data were collected over two months using structured instruments during morning shifts. Most participants were aged 25–34 years (55.1%), male (65.4%; reflecting the accessible sample composition), and held bachelor’s degrees (68.2%), with nearly half (49.5%) having 5–10 years of clinical experience. Overall, 68.2% of nurses achieved satisfactory knowledge scores, whereas 88.8% demonstrated positive attitudes toward AI applications. Perceived challenges were mainly related to technical and ethical concerns, particularly the need for continuous system updates, cybersecurity risks, and implementation costs. A statistically significant weak negative correlation was found between nurses’ knowledge and attitudes toward AI (r = -0.195, p = 0.044). No significant correlations were observed between knowledge and perceived challenges (r = -0.162, p = 0.095) or between attitudes and perceived challenges (r = 0.142, p = 0.145). Previous AI-related training was significantly associated with more positive attitudes toward AI (p = 0.019), whereas no significant associations were found with knowledge or perceived challenges. Educational level, workplace, and years of experience were not significantly associated with nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, or perceived challenges. Nurses demonstrated a satisfactory knowledge and generally positive attitudes toward AI applications in patient care, while perceiving moderate implementation challenges. Although previous AI-related training was associated with more positive attitudes, no significant associations were found with knowledge or perceived challenges. The weak negative correlation between knowledge and attitudes suggests that greater awareness of AI may be accompanied by increased concerns regarding its use. Further educational initiatives are needed to enhance nurses’ preparedness for AI integration in clinical practice.