Impact of Artificial Intelligence Education on Nursing Decision-Making in Intensive Care Units (ICUs): Systematic Review Study

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) has transitioned from a theoretical concept into an active collaborator within intensive care units (ICUs). While predictive algorithms, smart alarms, and hemodynamic metrics offer immense potential to improve patient safety, their clinical efficacy is fundamentally dependent on the competency and literacy of the nursing workforce. This review article evaluates current literature on AI educational interventions for critical care nurses and analyzes their direct impact on clinical decision-making speed. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted to synthesize contemporary research (2021–2026) focusing on clinical AI applications and nursing educational approaches. A targeted literature tracking process was conducted across major academic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. A total of 34 peer-reviewed articles, including primary studies, scoping overviews, and theoretical frameworks, were selected and analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach to map out current educational strategies and their operational impacts. Results The literature demonstrates that AI education for nurses is primarily driven by three strategic modalities: curriculum-based learning, simulation-based training, and interprofessional workshops. Effective educational interventions significantly reduce cognitive overload by mitigating alarm fatigue and sharpening situational awareness. Furthermore, structured training optimizes time-to-decision and enhances clinical accuracy during high-stakes events like sepsis progression and acute hemodynamic collapse. Conclusions Integrating AI literacy into nursing education transforms frontline clinicians from passive technology users into informed, autonomous decision-makers. To overcome current systemic barriers such as the “explainability gap” and the lack of standardized curricula, educational institutions must establish uniform, ethically grounded competency frameworks.