Applying an AI-human intelligence collaborative cognitive apprenticeship model in nursing psychology education: An explanatory sequential mixed-methods study.

AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured cognitive apprenticeship model that integrates artificial and human intelligence (AI-HI) in enhancing nursing students' psychological nursing education, specifically in knowledge mastery and practical skills and to explore its potential mechanisms.

BACKGROUND Bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice remains challenging in nursing education. While digital platforms like MOOCs and SPOCs offer accessible resources, their fragmented knowledge and lack of personalized support often limit the development of integrated understanding and clinical skills.

DESIGN An explanatory sequential mixed-methods design.

METHODS Participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group (AI-HI collaborative platform, n = 33) or the control group (SPOC platform, n = 33). Learning outcomes were assessed using theoretical knowledge tests and Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE). In-depth, phenomenological focus group interviews were then conducted with 10 participants from the intervention group.

RESULTS The intervention group significantly outperformed the control group in both theoretical knowledge assessments (p = 0.012) and OSCE (p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis revealed two themes: "From passive acceptance to active construction: the cognitive scaffolding role of teacher-AI collaboration" and "Technical friction as a moderator of engagement".

CONCLUSION The AI-HI collaborative structured cognitive apprenticeship model is a promising teaching approach for improving knowledge integration and clinical reasoning abilities in nursing education, providing insights for bridging theory and practice with digital tools.