A new study published in SOM's journal Occupational Medicine found that digital tools, including AI, can significantly improve disease management, streamline data processes, enhance personalised care, reduce post-operative complications, and even lower mortality rates. As contemporary nursing increasingly integrates these technologies as standard practice, the research emphasises that their benefits depend on proper implementation. Without appropriate training and robust IT support, digital innovations risk increasing workload, contributing to burnout, and potentially worsening mental health outcomes.
Yet the mental health burden on healthcare staff, if this is introduced badly, can be significant. In its study of 339 nurses, emotional exhaustion was "significantly" associated with digital technology stress (DTS) and "positively" associated with burnout.
The team, led by Dr Yingzhen Zhong of Ganzhou hospital's radiology department, said: ‘While continuing to grapple with longstanding professional stressors, they now confront novel pressures stemming from insufficient organisational preparedness for digital transitions.
‘For example, insufficient training of nurses or inadequate change management processes in the introduction of these digital tools, resulting in an increase in the already high workload.'
Dr Charles Goss, chair of the NHS Health at Work Network, added: ‘Technology plays a vital role in helping the NHS manage unprecedented demand, tackle waiting lists, and deliver more personalised care. But we cannot expect digital transformation to solve workforce pressures if it is introduced in ways that add to staff workload and stress. We are already seeing cases of stressed workers in Occupational Health Clinics because of this.
‘At a time when NHS teams are already stretched, new systems must be properly resourced, supported, and embedded into clinical practice. Without investment in training alongside new technology, we risk undermining the very workforce the NHS depends on to deliver its 10-Year Plan.'
SOM's President, Professor Neil Greenberg, said: ‘Technology is already changing how most of us access the NHS for the better, whether that be making appointments, contacting our GP or ordering repeat prescriptions, and the introduction and use of AI will only accelerate this. However, this research highlights the occupational health risks of carelessly over-layering new technologies on already overworked healthcare staff without proper support, training and integration.
‘The message here for Wes Streeting is, yes, by all means embrace technology and use it to improve healthcare. However, digital transformation must include robust occupational health input from the outset - ensuring systems are intuitive, training is adequate, and the impact on staff wellbeing is properly assessed and managed. If new technologies are introduced at the expense of staff health and wellbeing, the consequences will be self-defeating for the NHS.'
