A Review of Grey Literature on Standards, Guidelines, Policies, and Regulations Regarding the Use of Robots in Nursing Practice

Abstract

Background: The integration of emerging technologies such as robotics into nursing practice marks a pivotal shift in healthcare that aims to enhance service delivery and improve patient care efficiency. Robots that are capable of supporting nurses in delivering care represent a synergy of advancements in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and engineering. However, this development necessitates an evaluation of the existing literature, including grey literature, to fully understand its implications.

Purpose: To assess and synthesize available international literature on standards, guidelines, policies, or regulations on the use of robotics in nursing practice.

Methods: The Grey Literature Search Strategy Logic Model was adopted to conduct the literature review. Twenty-seven databases and identified sites were thoroughly searched for relevant grey literature, and the resulting literature was screened using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included literature was critically appraised using Tyndall’s standardized appraisal checklist.

Results: No guidelines, standards, or policies were found that related specifically to the use of robots in nursing practice. However, five documents that pertained to artificial intelligence were deemed eligible for inclusion in the review; these five documents were published between 2014 and 2021. The synthesized documents emphasized the need for policies, guidelines, and regulations to guide robot use in healthcare settings to ensure user trust and the healthcare systems’ safety and efficacy.

Conclusions: The rapid adoption of robotics in nursing presents legal and ethical challenges that should be addressed through new and existing regulatory bodies and by adapting existing regulations. There is a need for nurses to contribute to shaping these guidelines, ensuring that advancements in robotics enhance rather than compromise the quality of patient care. The nursing profession must also engage in this discourse to ensure that the integration of robotics aligns with the core tenets of nursing care.