The introduction of robots powered by artificial intelligence has the potential to address the shortage of nurses. However, it raises several ethical issues that must be addressed before developing and deploying intelligent robots for nursing tasks.
Newswise — The latest advancements in robotics and AI hold the potential for a future where these technologies assume greater societal importance. Ongoing innovations, like self-driving cars, artistic creativity, and human-like chatbots, underscore the vast potential of these technologies. While these developments offer various advantages, they also raise essential inquiries. Traits like creativity, communication, critical thinking, and learning, once deemed exclusive to humans, are now being imitated by AI. Hence, can intelligent machines be labeled as 'human'?
To delve into this inquiry, Associate Professor Tomohide Ibuki from Tokyo University of Science, alongside medical ethics researcher Dr. Eisuke Nakazawa from The University of Tokyo and nursing researcher Dr. Ai Ibuki from Kyoritsu Women’s University, recently conducted a study examining the potential of robots and AI in the field of nursing—a deeply compassionate profession. Their findings were published online on 12 June 2023 and featured in the Nursing Ethics journal on the same date.
Dr. Ibuki explains that their study in applied ethics specifically investigates the feasibility and desirability of utilizing robotics, human engineering, and human intelligence technologies as substitutes for human involvement in nursing duties.
Nurses are known for their empathy and their ability to build meaningful relationships with patients, which is crucial for fostering understanding, trust, and emotional support. Recognizing the significance of this human touch, the researchers sought to determine whether the current advancements in robotics and AI could replicate these ethical principles associated with human nurses. They focused on examining whether robotics and AI could embody concepts such as advocacy, accountability, cooperation, and caring, which are essential attributes of nursing.
Advocacy in nursing entails advocating for patients to ensure they receive optimal medical care. This involves protecting patients from medical errors, providing them with treatment information, respecting their preferences, and acting as intermediaries between patients and medical institutions. In their research, the scholars observed that while AI can provide patients with information about medical errors and present treatment choices, they raised concerns regarding its capacity to genuinely comprehend and empathize with patients' values, as well as effectively navigate interpersonal dynamics as mediators between patients and healthcare providers.
The researchers also raised concerns regarding the accountability of robots for their actions. They proposed the development of explainable AI, which would offer insights into the decision-making process of AI systems, thereby enhancing accountability. This approach would enable a better understanding of how robots arrive at specific outcomes or actions, making it possible to assess their responsibility and address any potential ethical concerns that may arise.
The study also emphasizes the importance of effective collaboration among nurses, colleagues, and other healthcare professionals to deliver optimal patient care. Since humans heavily rely on visual cues for building trust and establishing relationships, the researchers acknowledged that unfamiliarity with robots might hinder interactions and potentially result in suboptimal outcomes. Consequently, they highlighted the need for additional research to identify the suitable appearance of robots that can facilitate seamless cooperation with human medical staff, promoting efficient teamwork and communication in healthcare settings.
Lastly, the researchers acknowledge that while robots and AI have the potential to comprehend a patient's emotions and deliver suitable care, the acceptance of robots as care providers ultimately depends on the willingness of the patient. Patients must be open to the idea of receiving care from robots and be comfortable with the level of interaction and support they provide. This highlights the importance of patient acceptance and preferences in the integration of robots and AI into healthcare settings.
After examining the ethical concepts in nursing, the researchers acknowledge that while robots may not be able to completely replace human nurses in the near future, they do not entirely rule out the possibility. They recognize that robots and AI have the potential to address the shortage of nurses and enhance treatment outcomes for patients. However, they emphasize the need for careful consideration of the ethical implications and the impact on nursing practice before deploying robots and AI in healthcare settings. Balancing the benefits and challenges is crucial to ensure that these technologies are integrated in a manner that upholds ethical standards and supports the overall quality of patient care.
Dr. Ibuki concludes that the present analysis does not rule out the possibility of incorporating the ethical concepts of nursing into robots and AI in the future. However, it highlights the existence of several ethical questions that need to be addressed. Dr. Ibuki suggests that further research in this area can not only help find solutions to these questions but also potentially lead to new insights and discoveries in the field of ethics. The study's findings indicate the ongoing importance of exploring and understanding the ethical implications of integrating robots and AI into nursing and healthcare practice.
Here’s hoping for such novel applications of robotics and AI to emerge soon!
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