Knowledge and Opinions of Operating Room Nurses About Artificial Intelligence: A Descriptive Cross‐Sectional Study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and opinions of operating room nurses about artificial intelligence. BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence technologies play a significant role in improving the quality of care and ensuring patient safety. Operating room nurses play a crucial role in adopting technological innovations and improving patient safety. DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: This study was conducted among 95 nurses working in the operating room departments of a private hospital between December 2023 and March 2024. Data were collected via Google Forms, which included questions about personal information, knowledge about artificial intelligence and opinions about artificial intelligence. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The level of knowledge about artificial intelligence among nurses was high. Social media emerged as the most commonly reported and predominant source of AI-related information, despite being considered unreliable. Nurses widely expressed ethical concerns, particularly regarding issues such as the lack of empathy and potential malfunctions. Nevertheless, many believed that AI could reduce workload and enhance the quality of patient care. CONCLUSIONS: Although nurses have good knowledge about artificial intelligence, they require training to access reliable information. Nurses should be trained on artificial intelligence, and the technology should be integrated in a way that supports their professional roles. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study, which presents operating room nurses' knowledge and opinions on artificial intelligence, emphasises the need for nurses to receive training in artificial intelligence, highlighting that this will support the integration of artificial intelligence into nursing practices. Consequently, it suggests that the quality of nursing care can be enhanced.