Journal article icon

Journal article

Generative artificial intelligence in healthcare education: how AI literacy gaps could compromise learning and patient safety

Abstract:

Aim: To examine the challenges and opportunities presented by generative artificial intelligence in healthcare education and explore how it can be used ethically to enhance rather than compromise future healthcare workforce competence.

Background: Generative artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing healthcare education, yet many universities and healthcare educators have failed to keep pace with its rapid development.

Design: A discussion paper.

Methods: Discussion and analysis of the challenges and opportunities presented by students' increasing use of generative artificial intelligence in healthcare education, with particular focus on assessment approaches, critical thinking development and artificial intelligence literacy.

Results: Students' widespread use of generative artificial intelligence threatens assessment integrity and may inhibit critical thinking, problem-solving skills and knowledge acquisition. Without adequate artificial intelligence literacy there is a risk of eroding future healthcare workforce competence and compromising patient safety and professional integrity.

Conclusion: While generative artificial intelligence presents significant challenges to healthcare education, it offers great promise if used carefully with awareness of its limitations. The development of artificial intelligence literacy is crucial for maintaining professional standards and ensuring patient safety and mitigating its potentially negative impact on the formation of critical thinking skills.

Publication status:
Published
Peer review status:
Peer reviewed

Actions

Access Document

Publisher copy:
10.1016/j.nepr.2025.104461

Authors

More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
SSD
Department:
Law
Role:
Author
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0001-9691-2888
More by this author
Institution:
University of Oxford
Division:
HUMS
Department:
Uehiro Institute
Oxford college:
St Cross College
Role:
Author
ORCID:
0000-0003-1691-6403


Publisher:
Elsevier
Journal:
Nurse Education in Practice More from this journal
Volume:
87
Article number:
104461
Publication date:
2025-07-04
Acceptance date:
2025-07-03
DOI:
EISSN:
1873-5223
ISSN:
1471-5953
Pmid:
40633198


Terms of use


Views and Downloads






If you are the owner of this record, you can report an update to it here: Report update to this record

TO TOP