Perceptions, Attitudes, and Expectations of Surgical Patients Toward Artificial Intelligence–Supported Nursing Care: A Mixed Methods Study

Introduction: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing nursing and surgical care. Although AI-supported systems may improve efficiency, they also raise ethical and humanistic concerns, highlighting the importance of patient perspectives. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 312 postoperative surgical patients to assess knowledge and attitudes toward AI-supported care. Based on these results, 15 participants were selected for in-depth qualitative interviews using purposive sampling. Descriptive qualitative content analysis was applied, and the findings were integrated. Results: Patients’ attitudes toward AI were generally moderate and cautious. Most participants reported limited knowledge and perceived AI as a media-driven and abstract concept. Major concerns included loss of human touch, system errors, data security, and trust. AI was viewed as a supportive tool rather than a replacement for nursing care. Discussion: Acceptance of AI-supported nursing care is shaped by cultural values, trust, human-centered expectations, requiring empathy and professional oversight.