Insights Into Perceived Worries Regarding the Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Among Intensive Care Unit Nurses in the West Bank

Abstract

Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare is advancing rapidly, yet little is known about how ICU nurses perceive this shift, particularly in low-resource settings. Objectives: This study aimed to examine ICU nurses’ perceived concerns regarding AI adoption, focusing on awareness, prior experience, and levels of worry related to AI integration. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 235 ICU nurses from nine hospitals in the West Bank. Data were collected using the Worries of Applying Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Questionnaire (WAAI-HCQ). Descriptive statistics and regression analyses were performed using SPSS. Results: Nurses demonstrated moderate AI awareness (M =2.6, SD=0.5) and limited prior experience (mean =2.3, SD= 0.5). The overall worry regarding AI was moderate (M=3.2, SD=0.9), with the greatest concerns centered on its impact on healthcare providers (M=3.3, SD=1.0) and the least on regulatory and ethical issues (M =2.9, SD =0.7). Regression analysis revealed that AI awareness significantly predicted higher worry levels (B=2.007, p < .001), while prior experience with AI predicted reduced worry (B=−0.952, p < .001). The findings suggest that greater AI awareness without practical experience may lead to increased apprehension, while hands-on exposure reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Conclusions: While ICU nurses recognized the potential benefits of AI, concerns about job displacement, depersonalization of care, and workflow disruption were prevalent. These findings underscore the need for targeted AI education, practical training, and supportive policies that address ethical and workforce-related implications. Context-specific strategies are essential to enhance nurses’ readiness and confidence in adopting AI technologies in critical care settings.