Reflecting on Nursing in the AI Era
Reflecting on Nursing in the AI Era
As the demand for care rises and the shortage of caregivers worsens due to Japan’s declining birthrate and aging population, how will AI transform the nursing workplace? Ahead of the CHANGE Symposium on December 4, Professor Yoshihiro Kawahara of the University of Tokyo, an expert on AI, and Professor Takanori Ichiki, leader of the CHANGE Project, engaged in a discussion.
In nursing settings, indirect tasks such as data entry and paperwork are on the rise, leaving nurses unable to secure sufficient time to focus on patients. In response to Professor Ichiki’s concerns, Professor Kawahara pointed out that the workload can be significantly reduced through the automatic collection of vital signs data via sensors and the Internet of Things (IoT), as well as the use of “physical AI” that recognizes situations and acts accordingly. Regarding implementation costs, he argued that it is important to promote widespread adoption as a mechanism for ensuring safety across society as a whole.
On the other hand, nursing requires not only “safety” but also “peace of mind.” Although AI lacks emotions, it can adapt its language based on the other person’s reactions and provide polite explanations as many times as necessary. There are situations where AI can reduce psychological strain more effectively than humans, such as when communicating with patients with impaired cognitive function or assisting with toileting—a task that can evoke feelings of shame. Furthermore, by utilizing wireless signals such as Wi-Fi, it is possible to provide monitoring that respects privacy without the use of cameras. However, it is essential to verify the appropriateness of AI responses.
Both professors emphasize that the goal is not to replace nurses with AI, but to leverage the strengths of each. If AI handles administrative tasks and nurses can focus on observing patients and providing empathetic care, this will lead to improved quality of care.
What constitutes “care that only humans can provide” versus “care that only AI can provide”? At the symposium on December 4, Assistant Professor Ken Takagi from the Kawahara Laboratory will join the discussion to explore the future of nursing alongside members of the public.
Original Article: https://iconm.kawasaki-net.ne.jp/pdf/iconm_column_other8.pdf
