Artificial Intelligence from the Perspective of Nursing Professors: Knowledge, Attitudes, Application, Benefits, and Concerns

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI), as one of the key developments of the present century, plays an increasing role in enhancing the quality of education and healthcare services. Faculty members have a pivotal role in transferring knowledge and developing new technologies. Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and application of AI from the perspective of nursing professors at Abadan University of Medical Sciences. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted during the academic year 2024 - 2025 on all 71 professors at the School of Nursing, Abadan University of Medical Sciences, using a census method. Data were collected using Hamedani et al.’s (2024) Validated Questionnaire, which includes five sections: Demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, application, benefits, and concerns of using AI. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software version 27 and descriptive and analytical statistical tests. Results: The mean scores for knowledge (16.77 ± 4.43) and attitudes (39.83 ± 11.85) among professors were at a moderate level, while the mean score for application (70.12 ± 20.7) was at a low level. The highest agreement regarding benefits was reported for increased speed of service delivery (97.2%) and access to vast patient databases (93.0%). The highest concern was related to potential disclosure of confidential information (84.5%). Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude (R = 0.611, P < 0.001), application (R = 0.651, P < 0.001), and benefits (R = 0.475, P = 0.007). In contrast, concerns did not have a significant correlation with any of the variables (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings revealed that despite nursing professors’ positive attitudes and relative familiarity with some AI tools, such as ChatGPT, the practical use of this technology remains limited. Eliminating ethical and privacy barriers, alongside the development of educational programs and supportive infrastructure, could pave the way for more effective utilization of AI capacities in nursing education and research.