Project

AI solutions in care

In this study, we produce information on the prerequisites for the successful use of artificial intelligence in care. We examine which factors related to the instruction and use of AI applications must be taken into account in the context of care to support the smoothness of work and reduce the experienced workload. We examine what measures organizations should take to ensure that artificial intelligence is a genuinely useful tool. We identify the resources and loading factors associated with the use of artificial intelligence.

Timetable

3/2025–9/2026

Objectives

To produce information and concrete and practical solutions for a completely new and topical situation: the utilization of AI applications in nursing.
To examine how artificial intelligence can be used to reduce the workload and increase the meaningfulness of work, thus improving the well-being of professionals and, in the long term, the attraction and retention power of nursing, which is suffering from labour shortages.

Data and methods

The data comprises the versatile qualitative data collected during Attendo’s Vaikuttavaa hoivaa (effective care) development project funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund at the beginning of the deployment of artificial intelligence and the new data collected in this project for the period when AI has been in established use.

The material is unique in how it combines the discussions had during the deployment of artificial intelligence and new material in which experiences on the use of the AI application as well as indoor positioning data and time measurement data are analyzed in at a workplace in the Finnish care sector. Our data also combines the perspectives of the users of the application, i.e. nurses, supervisors, and management, and those of the party developing the AI application.

A case study is supplemented with material from an international literature review, which provides a broader view of research data in scientific articles and reviews. A literature review is used to refine the latest research data for use in Finland.

Results and impact

The study highlights the prerequisites and changes needed for the successful integration of artificial intelligence into the everyday nursing.

The study produces recommendations on how artificial intelligence can be easily integrated into everyday care, while taking data protection and privacy into consideration.
The study highlights the competence and training needs related to the successful deployment and use of artificial intelligence to ensure a smooth transition in an ethically sustainable manner for professionals.

The novelty value of the study can be summarized in three points:

Impacts of artificial intelligence on the occupational safety, health, and wellbeing of employees in care and nursing
These have not been mapped before. Existing research is scattered and often focuses on patient safety or clinical outcomes. The views of employees have been overlooked. A summary of the research literature, the scope of which has grown exponentially in recent years, from the perspective of occupational safety and health risks, provides an opportunity to make informed decisions at Finnish workplaces.
Analysis of the long-term development process for the deployed AI application
For the first time, an analysis is available of the development process in which professionals have been actively involved. The solutions found through a participatory development process genuinely meet the needs and wishes of care professionals and support work and wellbeing.
Opportunities offered by AI applications for reducing work outside of core work and freeing up time for care
This is critical in a sector with a high workload and limited resources, with a shortage of labour and high staff turnover. Successful utilization of artificial intelligence can contribute to improving the attractiveness and retention of care sector work in Finland.