Qualitative study on nursing researchers'perceptions and application experiences of generative artificial intelligence
QU Tianxing
SONG Hui
WANG Xinyue
YAN Ruiqin
Abstract：Objective:To investigate the real perceptions,practical experiences,and ethical considerations of nursing researchers regarding the application of generative artificial intelligence(Gen-AI)in nursing research,thereby providing a theoretical basis for standardizing the use of Gen-AI in nursing research and formulating relevant training strategies.Methods:A descriptive qualitative research method was adopted.Using purposive sampling,semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted from January to March 2025 with 14 nursing staff engaged in research work in three tertiary grade A hospitals in Tianjin.Data analysis was performed using Colaizzi's 7-step analysis method.Results:The perceptions and practical experiences of nursing researchers regarding Gen-AI were summarized into four themes and fourteen sub-themes,the enhancing effect of Gen-AI on research efficiency and capability(research process optimization,lowering the entry barrier,stimulation of innovative thinking);risks and ethical dilemmas in Gen-AI application(concerns about information reliability,blurring of academic integrity boundaries,risk of data privacy leakage,anxiety about the weakening of researcher capability,anxiety about ambiguous academic contribution attribution);competence and role reconstruction of nursing researchers driven by Gen-AI(enhancement of critical thinking,cultivation of Gen-AI literacy,transition of researcher roles,restructuring of research team composition and division of labor);future pathways for Gen-AI usage norms and professional development(urgent need to establish standardized usage guidelines,expectation for developing specialized nursing vertical models).Conclusions:Nursing researchers hold a cautiously optimistic attitude towards the application of Gen-AI in scientific research,acknowledging its potential for technological empowerment while placing high importance on the accompanying ethical challenges and the need for competence reconstruction.It is recommended that relevant administrative bodies and academic organizations jointly promote the standardized and professional development of Gen-AI usage to achieve high-quality innovation in nursing research through human-machine collaboration.
Keywords：generative artificial intelligencenursing researchqualitative studyresearch ethicscognitive experience
Publication Date：2026-03-25
Online Publishing Date：2026-04-01(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 1033-1038 )