NMC seeking insight on nurses’ use of AI

Nurses and midwives are being asked to share their experiences of working in health and social care, with a particular focus on the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has launched its annual professionals survey which will, for the first time, include questions about technology.

Questions will include how professionals are using AI in their practice today and how confident they feel about its future role in health and care.

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The regulator hopes use its survey findings to help inform planning and policy around the workforce and workplaces, with the aim of ‘driving targeted improvements’.

NMC executive director of strategy and insight Emma Westcott said: ‘Understanding the experiences of nurses, midwives and nursing associates is essential if we’re to build a new NMC that better supports professionals to uphold high standards.

‘This year, we’re particularly interested in hearing about how technology and artificial intelligence are being used in practice, alongside the opportunities and challenges professionals face every day.

‘Every response helps us build a richer picture of the professions and the environments in which they work, so we’re keen to hear from as many registrants from across the UK as possible.

‘Their insight will help shape our regulatory work, influence wider discussions about the future of nursing and midwifery, and strengthen the evidence that helps us support professionals to deliver safe, effective and equitable care for people.’

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The findings will build on the responses from last year’s survey, including respondents who said they were ‘motivated by making a difference to people’s lives but faced persistent challenges’.

Seven in 10 respondents reported experiencing harassment, bullying or abuse in the previous year, while around a quarter said they were ‘struggling’ with workload pressures.

The NMC said, in response, it started the ongoing review of the Code, due to be published in autumn 2027, with the aim of strengthening standards around anti-discrimination, anti-racism and the impact of unhealthy workplace cultures.

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It also published new anti-racism principles for midwifery and nursing education and practice.

The survey is open until 9 July and the findings will be published later this year.