AI nursing ethics: Viability of robots and artificial intelligence in
nursing practice
While robots and artificial intelligence have the potential to act as
nurses, it raises several ethical concerns

Date:
July 10, 2023
Source:
Tokyo University of Science
Summary:
Robots and artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to play a key
role in nursing practice in the future. In this regard, researchers
from Japan ask whether intelligent machines can replace humans as
nurses. They investigate the potential of current advancements
in robotics and AI to replicate the ethical concepts attributed
to nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation,
and caring. While these technologies hold promise in enhancing
healthcare practices, their integration into nursing requires
careful consideration.


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FULL STORY ==========================================================================
The recent progress in the field of robotics and artificial
intelligence (AI) promises a future where these technologies would
play a more prominent role in society. Current developments, such
as the introduction of autonomous vehicles, the ability to generate
original artwork, and the creation of chatbots capable of engaging in human-like conversations, highlight the immense possibilities held by
these technologies. While these advancements offer numerous benefits,
they also pose some fundamental questions. The characteristics such
as creativity, communication, critical thinking, and learning --
once considered to be unique to humans -- are now being replicated by
AI. So, can intelligent machines be considered 'human'? In a step toward answering this question, Associate Professor Tomohide Ibuki from Tokyo University of Science, in collaboration with medical ethics researcher
Dr. Eisuke Nakazawa from The University of Tokyo and nursing researcher
Dr. Ai Ibuki from Kyoritsu Women's University, recently explored whether
robots and AI can be entrusted with nursing, a highly humane practice.

Their work was made available online on 12 June 2023 and published in
the journal Nursing Ethics on 12 June 2023.

"This study in applied ethics examines whether robotics, human
engineering, and human intelligence technologies can and should replace
humans in nursing tasks," says Dr. Ibuki.

Nurses demonstrate empathy and establish meaningful connections with
their patients. This human touch is essential in fostering a sense of understanding, trust, and emotional support. The researchers examined
whether the current advancements in robotics and AI can implement these
human qualities by replicating the ethical concepts attributed to human
nurses, including advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring.

Advocacy in nursing involves speaking on behalf of patients to ensure
that they receive the best possible medical care. This encompasses
safeguarding patients from medical errors, providing treatment
information, acknowledging the preferences of a patient, and acting
as mediators between the hospital and the patient. In this regard,
the researchers noted that while AI can inform patients about medical
errors and present treatment options, they questioned its ability to
truly understand and empathize with patients' values and to effectively navigate human relationships as mediators.

The researchers also expressed concerns about holding robots accountable
for their actions. They suggested the development of explainable AI,
which would provide insights into the decision-making process of AI
systems, improving accountability.

The study further highlights that nurses are required to collaborate effectively with their colleagues and other healthcare professionals
to ensure the best possible care for patients. As humans rely on
visual cues to build trust and establish relationships, unfamiliarity
with robots might lead to suboptimal interactions. Recognizing this
issue, the researchers emphasized the importance of conducting further investigations to determine the appropriate appearance of robots for facilitating efficient cooperation with human medical staff.

Lastly, while robots and AI have the potential to understand a patient's emotions and provide appropriate care, the patient must also be willing
to accept robots as care providers.

Having considered the above four ethical concepts in nursing, the
researchers acknowledge that while robots may not fully replace human
nurses anytime soon, they do not dismiss the possibility. While robots and
AI can potentially reduce the shortage of nurses and improve treatment
outcomes for patients, their deployment requires careful weighing of
the ethical implications and impact on nursing practice.

"While the present analysis does not preclude the possibility of
implementing the ethical concepts of nursing in robots and AI in the
future, it points out that there are several ethical questions. Further research could not only help solve them but also lead to new discoveries
in ethics," concludes Dr. Ibuki.

Here's hoping for such novel applications of robotics and AI to emerge
soon!
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Source: Materials provided by Tokyo_University_of_Science. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Tomohide Ibuki, Ai Ibuki, Eisuke Nakazawa. Possibilities and ethical
issues of entrusting nursing tasks to robots and artificial
intelligence.

Nursing Ethics, 2023; DOI: 10.1177/09697330221149094 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/07/230710113848.htm

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