Evolution of Chatbots in Nursing Education: Narrative Review

Abstract

Abstract BackgroundThe integration of chatbots in nursing education is a rapidly evolving area with potential transformative impacts. This narrative review aims to synthesize and analyze the existing literature on chatbots in nursing education. ObjectiveThis study aims to comprehensively examine the temporal trends, international distribution, study designs, and implications of chatbots in nursing education. MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted across 3 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase) following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram. ResultsA total of 40 articles met the eligibility criteria, with a notable increase of publications in 2023 (n=28, 70%). Temporal analysis revealed a notable surge in publications from 2021 to 2023, emphasizing the growing scholarly interest. Geographically, Taiwan province made substantial contributions (n=8, 20%), followed by the United States (n=6, 15%) and South Korea (n=4, 10%). Study designs varied, with reviews (n=8, 20%) and editorials (n=7, 18%) being predominant, showcasing the richness of research in this domain. ConclusionsIntegrating chatbots into nursing education presents a promising yet relatively unexplored avenue. This review highlights the urgent need for original research, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations.