EXPLORING THE OPINIONS OF NURSING EDUCATORS ON INCLUSION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR OPTIMIZING THE NURSING SERVICES IN AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

This study explored the opinions of nursing educators in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, regarding the inclusion of artificial intelligence (AI) to optimize nursing services. A cross-sectional survey design was employed. The study targeted nursing educators from various institutions, with data collected via a structured online questionnaire adapted from validated instruments. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (ANOVA) were used for analysis. Findings revealed strong support for AI's potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy (mean=3.87) and reduce workload (mean=3.86), alongside concerns about ethical implications (mean=2.80) and inadequate training (mean=2.41). Significant differences emerged based on cadre (p=0.001) and institution type (p<0.001), with junior educators and private hospital staff showing greater acceptance than senior educators and those in government hospitals. Recommendations were made which among others include integrating AI training into nursing curricula, developing ethical guidelines, and implementing tiered adoption strategies tailored to institutional readiness.