Paediatric nurses' perspectives on artificial intelligence applications: A cross-sectional study of concerns, literacy levels and attitudes

Aims: This study aimed to explore the correlation between artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, AI anxiety and AI attitudes among paediatric nurses, as well as identify the influencing factors on paediatric nurses' AI attitudes. Design: A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional research. Methods: This study was conducted between January and February 2024 with 170 nurses actively working in paediatric clinics in Turkey. The data collection tools included the Nurse Information Form, the General Attitudes Towards Artificial Intelligence Scale (GAAIS), the Artificial Intelligence Literacy Scale (AILS) and the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale (AIAS). To determine the associations between the variables, the data was analysed using IBM SPSS 28, which included linear regression and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: The study indicated significant positive correlations between paediatric nurses' age and their AIAS scores (r =.226; p <.01) and significant negative correlations between paediatric nurses' age and their AILS (r = -.192; p <.05) and GAAIS scores (r = -.152; p <.05). The GAAIS was significantly predictive (p <.000) and accounted for 50% of the variation in AIAS and AILS scores. Conclusion: Paediatric nurses' attitudes towards AI significantly predicted AI literacy and AI anxiety. The relationship between the age of the paediatric nurses and the anxiety, AI literacy and attitudes towards AI was demonstrated. Healthcare and educational institutions should create customized training programs and awareness-raising activities for older nurses, as there are noticeable variations in the attitudes of paediatric nurses towards AI based on their age. Implications for Profession and/or Patient Care: Providing in-service AI training can help healthcare organizations improve paediatric nurses' attitudes towards AI, increase their AI literacy and reduce their anxiety. This training has the potential to impact their attitudes positively and reduce their anxiety. Reporting Method: The study results were critically reported using STROBE criteria. Patient or Public Contribution: No patient or public contribution.