Cross-Cultural Applicability and Application of the Nursing Leaders' Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Scale: A Cross-Sectional Study.

AIMS: To translate, revise and evaluate the Chinese-version Nursing Leaders' Readiness for Artificial Intelligence Scale and assess Chinese nursing leaders' AI readiness.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey.

METHODS

The research team conducted translation, cognitive interviews, a pilot survey and psychometric evaluation. Survey participants were 762 nursing managers. The reliability and validity of the Chinese-version scale were examined. The status and influencing factors of AI readiness among Chinese nursing managers were investigated.

RESULTS

The translated scale comprises 20 items. Cronbach's α was 0.824. Regarding validity, the three-factor model demonstrated a good fit. The square roots of the average variance extracted, absolute values of correlation coefficients among dimensions and content validity index values were acceptable. The mean AI readiness score was 65.27 ± 9.78. Of the participants, 624 scored above 60 points, 136 scored 40-60 points and 2 scored below 40 points. Scores differed significantly by hospital type, hospital level, department, training participation, prior AI tool or system use and frequency of AI usage.

CONCLUSION

The Chinese-version scale demonstrated good reliability and validity and can effectively assess AI readiness among Chinese nursing managers. Nursing leaders generally demonstrated a favourable level of AI readiness; however, factors such as hospital type and level remain significant determinants influencing nursing leaders' AI readiness.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study provides a standard measurement tool for Chinese hospitals to check how ready their nursing managers are for AI. These findings help us understand the current state of AI readiness among nursing managers in China. The results can help improve AI use strategies. In addition, they can help bring AI into nursing practice more smoothly. This study has important value for moving forward with digital change and smart nursing in China.