DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN NURSING: THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN ENHANCING CLINICAL DECISION MAKING

Abstract

Background: The field of artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare by improving clinical decision making processes. Decision making is an important element of nursing because it directly affects patient outcomes, and it is often challenged by increasing workload, patient complexity, and time constraints. AI driven technologies such as clinical decision support systems offer potential solutions by enhancing accuracy, efficiency and evidence based practice. However, the adoption and impact of AI in nursing are limited, especially in resource-constrained settings such as Pakistan. Objective: To assess the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing nursing decision making among registered nurses in clinical settings. Methodology: The present study was a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study conducted on 100 registered nurses working in a tertiary care hospital of South Punjab, Pakistan. Data were gathered using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Demographic characteristics and study variables were summarized using descriptive statistics. Inferential statistics such as Chi-square test, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to examine the association and predictive role of AI utilization in nursing decision making. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: The findings revealed that AI utilization among nurses was predominantly moderate (50%), with limited high-level adoption (20%). Nursing decision making competence was also mostly moderate (55%). A statistically significant association was found between AI utilization and decision making (χ² = 18.42, p = 0.001). A strong positive correlation was observed (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Regression analysis identified AI utilization as the strongest predictor of nursing decision making (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), explaining 41% of the variance. Conclusion: The study concludes that artificial intelligence significantly enhances nursing decision making and serves as a key predictive factor in clinical performance. Strengthening AI integration, training, and infrastructure is essential to optimize nursing practice and improve healthcare outcomes in developing healthcare settings.