Survey of nursing and midwifery workforce seeks views on AI and workplaces

For the first time, it includes questions about technology, with the regulator seeking to understand how professionals are using AI in their practice today and how confident they feel about its future role in health and care.

The survey is open until 9 July. The findings will enable the NMC to share insights with its partners in the sector, to inform planning and policy around the workforce and workplaces – to help drive targeted improvements.

The findings will also build on insights from professionals who took part last year – many of whom said they were motivated by making a difference to people's lives but faced persistent challenges.

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

These insights have directly influenced the NMC’s work – for example, its ongoing review of the Code, which is now looking to strengthen standards around anti-discrimination, anti-racism and the impact of unhealthy workplace cultures.

In advance of the new Code – coming in autumn 2027 – the regulator has also published new anti-racism principles for midwifery and nursing education and practice.

Emma Westcott, Executive Director of Strategy and Insight at the NMC, 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.”

The survey findings will be published later this year.

Further information

• Nurses, midwives and nursing associates will be emailed a survey link unique to them. People can only respond using their unique link which they should not forward to anyone else.
• The NMC will not reach out to professionals who have previously said they don’t want to be contacted about research or those who have already received a pilot version of the survey.
• Professionals who have not received their unique link by 19 June should email research@nmc-uk.org with their name and PIN. Please don’t contact the NMC about this until then.

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