Enhancing Competencies of Nursing Students in Pain Management Education Through Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Narrative Review.

Journal: Pain management nursing : official journal of the American Society of Pain Management Nurses
Published Date: Dec 26, 2025

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Effective pain management is a vital aspect of quality nursing care, requiring sound knowledge, assessment skills, clinical judgment, and patient-centered communication. With advances in healthcare technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a powerful educational tool to enhance competency-based learning in pain management. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review explores how AI integration in nursing education impacts the development of pain management competencies among nursing students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords such as "artificial intelligence," "pain management," "nursing education," and "competencies." Of the 172 studies identified, nine met the inclusion criteria after screening using Rayyan software. RESULTS: The selected studies highlight key AI applications including simulation-based learning, real-time feedback, clinical decision support, personalized modules, and automated assessment tools. These approaches help develop core competencies such as accurate pain assessment, critical thinking, reflective practice, and patient education. AI also enhances engagement through interactive and tailored learning experiences, supporting better knowledge retention. CONCLUSION: Integrating AI into pain management education equips nursing students with essential clinical skills, promoting higher competence and confidence in managing pain. Ongoing research is vital to explore both the benefits and potential challenges of AI integration to ensure its safe and effective use in nursing curricula. NURSING PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: AI enhances the accuracy in pain assessment, supports clinical decisions, encourages reflective practice, and fosters empathy. It prepares nurses for digital healthcare environments and contributes to improved patient outcomes.

Authors

  • Rashal Rashmi Martis
    Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
  • Mamatha Shivananda Pai
    Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India. Electronic address: [email protected].
  • Rajesh Mahadeva
    Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
  • Edlin Glane Mathias
    Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
  • Vimala Ramoo
    Department of Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Medicine University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
  • Yullis Setiya Dewi
    Advanced Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, Universities Airlangga, Indonesia.
  • Judie Arulappan
    Nursing Laboratory and Simulation Unit (NLSU)/Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator, Department of Maternal and Child health, College of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khoud, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.
  • Manojkumar Nagasampige
    MAHE Online Education, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
  • Remya Ur
    Department of Child Health Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India.

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