The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is expanding, yet appropriate use of AI in education and health care has become a controversial topic. Specific to health care, AI typically refers to the use of computers to convert data into knowledge to inform clinical and operational decision-making (Douthit et al., 2022).

The origins of AI can be traced back to the 1950s when scientists began to explore the mathematical possibly of AI. Alan Turing, a British polymathematician, suggested in a 1950 article “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” that intelligent machines could be built to mimic the problem-solving skills of humans (Anyoha, 2017). The Logic Theorist program, funded by the Research and Development Corporation, is considered to be the first AI program and was presented at the Dartmouth Summer Research Project on AI in 1956 (Anyoha, 2017).

AI has been advancing over the years, but most recently, increased attention to AI sources has evolved, due in part to the launch of ChatGPT and other models. ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was launched on November 30, 2022, and by December 4, 2022, ChatGPT had over one million users (Stringer, 2023). ChatGPT uses machine learning techniques to generate human-like text in a conversational way. The dialog format enables ChatGPT to answer questions, challenge incorrect premises, and reject inappropriate requests (OpenAI, 2023). ChatGPT is based on the Generative Pretrained Transformer (GPT) architecture, which uses deep learning to analyze and process natural language text (Scerri & Morin, 2023).

However, the factual accuracy of ChatGPT has been identified as a limitation (Stringer, 2023). A recent systematic review identified benefits and concerns of using ChatGPT citing improved scientific writing, enhancing research, efficient analysis of data sets and literature, and improved personalized learning as benefits (Sallem, 2023). Concerns included copyright, transparency, and legal issues; the risk of bias, plagiarism, lack of originality, inaccurate content, incorrect citations, and cybersecurity issues (Sallem, 2023). The use of ChatGPT in higher education requires balancing benefits with risks, and educators, educational institutions, and entities such as publishers will need to identify appropriate uses of ChatGPT (Archibald, 2023).

I decided to assess what ChatGPT would identify if asked several questions about nurse practitioner (NP) practice. I was very surprised as the text that resulted in a matter of seconds was very accurate.

I asked the AI platform itself (https://chat.openai.com/auth/login) the following questions related to NP practice.

What are NP outcomes?

This is the text that resulted:

Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who provide comprehensive and specialized care to patients in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. The outcomes of NPs can vary depending on their practice area, patient population, and scope of practice. Here are some common NP outcomes:

Improved Patient Health Outcomes: NPs are trained to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients across the lifespan. They can diagnose and treat acute and chronic health conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and provide health education and counseling. The outcomes of this care can include improved patient health outcomes, such as reduced morbidity, mortality, and hospitalizations and increased patient satisfaction with care. Increased Access to Care: NPs can help to improve access to care, especially in underserved areas or areas with limited health care resources. They can provide primary care, preventive care, and specialty care services, including managing chronic conditions, performing physical examinations, providing vaccinations, and offering health screenings. By expanding the health care workforce and providing care in diverse settings, NPs can help increase access to health care services for patients. Cost-effective Care: NPs can provide cost-effective care by offering high-quality care in a timely and efficient manner. Research has shown that NPs can provide care that is comparable with that of physicians for patient outcomes, but at a lower cost. This can result in cost savings for patients, health care systems, and payers. Patient Education and Health Promotion: NPs play a critical role in patient education and health promotion. They can provide health education, counseling, and support to patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and engage in healthy behaviors. This can lead to improved patient self-care management, increased patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes. Collaborative Practice: NPs often work collaboratively with other health care providers, including physicians, registered nurses, and other members of the health care team. Collaborative practice can result in better coordination of care, improved patient outcomes, and increased patient satisfaction. Patient Satisfaction: NPs are known for their patient-centered approach to care, which focuses on establishing a strong nurse–patient relationship and taking into consideration the patient's physical, emotional, and social well-being. As a result, NPs often receive high patient satisfaction ratings, indicating that patients are satisfied with the care they receive from NPs. Practice Autonomy: NPs are often authorized to practice independently within their scope of practice and state regulations, which allows them to provide care to patients without direct supervision from physicians. This can result in increased job satisfaction and professional fulfillment for NPs, as well as increased access to care for patients.

It is important to note that NP outcomes can vary depending on their practice setting, specialty, and patient population, as well as other factors such as local regulations, policies, and health care system dynamics. However, overall, NPs are recognized as valuable members of the health care team who can provide high-quality care, improve patient outcomes, increase access to care, and enhance patient satisfaction.

In response to the question “What value do NPs have” ChatGPT responded:

Nurse practitioners provide valuable contributions to

the health care system and patients in multiple ways.

Patient-Centered Care: NPs prioritize patient-centered care, taking into account patients' unique needs, preferences, and values. They establish trusting relationships with patients, engage them in their health care decisions, and provide care that is tailored to their individual circumstances. This patient-centered approach results in improved patient satisfaction, adherence to treatment plans, and better health outcomes. Expanded Access to Care: NPs help address health care access challenges by providing care in underserved areas, including rural or remote communities, where access to health care may be limited. They can diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic conditions, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications, and perform procedures, thereby expanding the availability of care and improving health care access for patients. Holistic and Comprehensive Care: NPs are trained to provide comprehensive care across the lifespan and in various health care settings, including primary care, acute care, and specialty care. They take a holistic approach to patient care, considering not only the physical health but also the emotional, social, and cultural well-being of patients. This allows them to address the complex needs of patients and provide holistic care that takes into account the whole person. Cost-Effective Care: NPs provide cost-effective care by delivering high-quality care in a cost-efficient manner. Research has shown that NPs can achieve comparable patient outcomes with physicians but at a lower cost. This makes NPs a cost-effective option for providing care, which can result in cost savings for patients, health care systems, and payers. Collaboration and Coordination: NPs are known for their collaborative approach to care, working closely with other health care providers to provide coordinated and integrated care. They collaborate with colleagues, including physicians, registered nurses, and other members of the health care team, to ensure that patients receive appropriate and seamless care. This collaborative approach results in improved patient outcomes and continuity of care. Health Promotion and Disease Prevention: NPs play a crucial role in health promotion and disease prevention. They provide health education, counseling, and preventive care services, such as screenings, vaccinations, and lifestyle interventions, to help patients maintain optimal health and prevent the development of chronic conditions. By focusing on preventive care, NPs can contribute to overall population health and reduce health care costs associated with preventable illnesses. Patient Advocacy: NPs serve as advocates for their patients, helping them navigate the health care system, understand their rights, and access appropriate care. They work with patients to develop care plans that align with their goals and preferences and advocate for their needs and concerns. Nurse practitioners also advocate for vulnerable populations and address health disparities, promoting health equity and social justice. Leadership and Education: NPs often serve in leadership roles within health care organizations, academic institutions, and professional associations. They contribute to the advancement of the nursing profession through education, research, policy development, and mentoring of future health care professionals. Nurse practitioners are also involved in shaping health care policy and advocating for policies that support access to quality health care and recognize the value of NPs in the health care system.

In summary, NPs bring significant value to the health care system and patients through their patient-centered care, expanded access to care, holistic and comprehensive approach, cost-effective practice, collaboration and coordination, health promotion and disease prevention efforts, patient advocacy, and leadership in health care settings. Their expertise, skills, and patient-focused approach make them essential contributors to the delivery of high-quality, accessible, and cost-effective health care.

Quite surprisingly, ChatGPT was able to generate information on NP practice and value within a matter of seconds. While the text does not include specific references, it was obvious that a number of literature and other resources were used to generate the text, highlighting the ability of AI algorithms to generate intelligence out of raw data.

If AI knows the value of NPs, why can't other humans? Using AI to enhance NP education, practice, and research has much potential. Of significance, AI may be able to help raise the profile of NPs by presenting factual information on their impact. As ChatGPT identified, NPs provide valuable contributions to the health care system.

AI is no longer a futuristic vision but a transformative force that is being integrated into many facets of life. Since the early days of AI when the IBM computer Watson competed on the television show “Jeopardy!” and won against two established champions, AI can now be leveraged by NPs to counter stances about the role that are inaccurate. It can also highlight the unique value of NPs as qualified, capable healthcare professionals.

References Anyoha R. (2017). Can machines think? Blog, special edition on artificial intelligence. The History of Artificial Intelligence. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/history-artificial-intelligence/ Archibald M. M. (2023). ChatGTP: What is it and how can nursing and health science education use it? Journal of Advanced Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1111/jan.15643 Douthit B. J., Shaw R. J., Lytle K. S., Richesson R. L., Cary M. P. (2022). Artificial intelligence in nursing. American Nurse. https://www.myamericannurse.com/ai-artificial-intelligence-in-nursing/ Sallam M. (2023). ChatGPT utility in healthcare education, research, and practice: Systematic review on the promising perspectives and valid concerns. Healthcare, 11(6), 887. Scerri A., Morin K. H. (2023). Using chatbots like ChatGPT to support nursing practice. Journal of Clinical Nursing. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jocn.16677