The relationship between surgical nurses’ attitude towards artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence dependence: a cross-sectional study

This study aims to examine the relationship between nurses’ attitudes towards artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence dependence. The cross-sectional study sample consisted of 373 surgical nurses working at a university hospital and a public hospital. Data were collected via a survey method. The data collection tools included a Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, a Digital and Artificial Intelligence-Related Characteristics Form, the Artificial Intelligence Attitude Scale for Nurses, and the Dependence on Artificial Intelligence Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling approach. The mean general artificial intelligence attitude score of nurses was 3.17 ± 0.50, and the mean artificial intelligence dependence score was 9.90 ± 3.80. In the structural model, attitude towards nursing care, ethical attitude, and artificial intelligence readiness were positively and significantly associated with artificial intelligence dependence. The association between attitude towards organization and artificial intelligence dependence was not statistically significant. Overall, attitude towards artificial intelligence was positively and significantly associated with artificial intelligence dependence. Nurses’ attitudes towards artificial intelligence are significantly and positively associated with artificial intelligence dependence. Particularly, attitude towards nursing care, ethical perception, and readiness were positively and significantly associated with dependence, while organizational attitudes were not significantly associated with dependence. These findings highlight the importance of considering AI dependence alongside favorable attitudes toward AI in nursing. Not applicable.