Navigating ethical considerations in the use of artificial intelligence for patient care: A systematic review

Abstract

AimTo explore the ethical considerations and challenges faced by nursing professionals in integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into patient care.BackgroundAI's integration into nursing practice enhances clinical decision‐making and operational efficiency but raises ethical concerns regarding privacy, accountability, informed consent, and the preservation of human‐centered care.MethodsA systematic review was conducted, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Thirteen studies were selected from databases including PubMed, Embase, IEEE Xplore, PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Thematic analysis identified key ethical themes related to AI use in nursing.ResultsThe review highlighted critical ethical challenges, such as data privacy and security, accountability for AI‐driven decisions, transparency in AI decision‐making, and maintaining the human touch in care. The findings underscore the importance of stakeholder engagement, continuous education for nurses, and robust governance frameworks to guide ethical AI implementation in nursing.DiscussionThe results align with existing literature on AI's ethical complexities in healthcare. Addressing these challenges requires strengthening nursing competencies in AI, advocating for patient‐centered AI design, and ensuring that AI integration upholds ethical standards.ConclusionAlthough AI offers significant benefits for nursing practice, it also introduces ethical challenges that must be carefully managed. Enhancing nursing education, promoting stakeholder engagement, and developing comprehensive policies are essential for ethically integrating AI into nursing.Implications for nursingAI can improve clinical decision‐making and efficiency, but nurses must actively preserve humanistic care aspects through ongoing education and involvement in AI governance.Implications for Health PolicyEstablish ethical frameworks and data protection policies tailored to AI in nursing. Support continuous professional development and allocate resources for the ethical integration of AI in healthcare.