Using Robots in Nursing Care: An Explorative Study Into the Perspectives of Nurses and Hospital Managers

AIM: The growing mismatch between care demand and system capacity is driven by ageing and rising pressure on healthcare resources. As a result, the fundamentals of care are increasingly under strain. The use of robots is viewed as a possible solution. This study aimed to investigate the perspectives of nurses, policymakers, and managers regarding the use of robots in hospital settings and factors influencing their acceptance. DESIGN: Sequential explanatory mixed methods. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology was administered to 121 nurses in spring 2025 to identify attitudes, acceptance, and digital skills toward care robots. Findings from this phase informed the subsequent qualitative phase: in-depth exploration interviews with 4 nurses and 8 hospital staff members. RESULTS: Robots were seen as potentially useful in reducing workload and physical strain, but nurses stated that robots cannot replace human interaction in care. Facilitating conditions were perceived as supportive, and fear related to robot implementation was low. Drivers and barriers to robot implementation highlighted the importance of communication, nurses' involvement, and clear responsibilities during implementation. CONCLUSION: Nurses and hospital staff expressed a cautiously positive stance toward the utilisation of robots in the context of hospital nursing care. They are considering care robots as a potential solution to alleviate nurses' workload. However, there are concerns regarding the impact of robots on the fundamental responsibilities of nursing, particularly with regard to patient interaction, emotional support, and the potential loss of the human aspect of care. This requires nurses' awareness and ethical judgement. IMPLICATIONS FOR THE PROFESSION AND PATIENT CARE: Nurses are key when considering the implementation of robots, ensuring its alignment with the fundamentals of care and maintaining patient-centred values. Nurses' unique position allows them to voice patient needs; their involvement shapes the successful implementation of robotics in hospitals. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT: This study did not include patient or public involvement in its design, conduct, or reporting. REPORTING METHOD: GRAMMS guidelines for Reporting Mixed Methods Research were used.