An AI analysis of hospital patients’ satisfaction with the care they received from their nurses has shown two things. One, the technology can guide nurses as they strive to optimize the hospital experience for patients and their families. Two, nurses can help advance AI in healthcare.
That’s according to the authors of “Leveraging Technology to Sustain Extraordinary Care: A Qualitative Analysis of Meaningful Nurse Recognition,” a study scheduled for publication in the June edition of the Journal of Nursing Administration.
Lead author Joanne Clavelle, DNP, RN, of GetWellNetwork and co-authors gathered patient comments submitted through an interactive feedback platform available to inpatients at three hospitals.
Analyzing the input using natural language processing, machine learning and sentiment analytics, the team found the top theme to emerge was “courtesy and respect” as conveyed by nurse behaviors evidencing empathy/compassion, helpfulness, kindness attentiveness and emotional comfort.
The second most prevalent theme was skills and knowledge, which patients perceived in nurses whom they thought of as professional, knowledgeable, alert, competent, dedicated and thorough.
In their discussion, the researchers conclude that AI techniques for qualitative analysis of comments collected through interactive patient care mechanisms are able to reveal “nurse themes and behaviors most meaningful” to patients and their family members.
“Nurses can advance the science of AI and guide its evolution,” they add, “so that nurse caring behaviors associated with establishing human connections that positively influence patient and family experience are accurately represented.”
Dave P. has worked in journalism, marketing and public relations for more than 30 years, frequently concentrating on hospitals, healthcare technology and Catholic communications. He has also specialized in fundraising communications, ghostwriting for CEOs of local, national and global charities, nonprofits and foundations.