ICU Nurses' Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence in Adult Intensive Care Units: Knowledge, Attitudes and Job-Security Concerns.

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare, particularly in adult intensive care units (ICUs), yet nurses' knowledge, attitudes and concerns regarding AI remain insufficiently examined. This study aimed to assess ICU nurses' AI-related knowledge, attitudes and job-related concerns, and to explore associations among these variables.

Aim: To assess ICU nurses' knowledge of artificial intelligence, attitudes towards its use in healthcare and job-related concerns, and to examine the relationships among these variables.

Study design: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among adult ICU nurses recruited through convenience sampling from five hospitals in Irbid, Jordan, between February and April 2025.

Results: Of the 105 eligible nurses invited, 91 completed the questionnaire and were included in the analysis. AI knowledge ranged from limited to moderate (mean 4.18 ± 1.50). Attitudes towards AI were moderately positive (57.95 ± 11.45), while job security concerns were moderate (18.1 ± 4.5; 95% CI: 17.2-19.0). Greater factual knowledge of AI concepts was significantly associated with more positive attitudes (r = 0.366, p < 0.001) and lower job security concerns (r = -0.302, p = 0.004). Attitudes were inversely associated with job security concerns (r = -0.275, p = 0.008).

Conclusions: ICU nurses showed positive attitudes towards AI despite limited technical knowledge. Associations with job-related concerns highlight the need for targeted education and further multisite research on AI readiness in critical care.

Relevance to clinical practice: Structured AI literacy programmes, ethical governance frameworks and nurse involvement in AI implementation planning are essential to promote safe and balanced AI integration in adult critical care settings.