Artificial Intelligence in Care Work in Italy: Social Representations across Strategic Governance and Healthcare Professions

Journal title WELFARE E ERGONOMIA
Author/s Giulia Banfi, Miriam Ferraro, Pierpaola Pierucci
Publishing Year 2026 Issue 2026/1
Language Italian Pages 16 P. 55-70 File size 119 KB
DOI 10.3280/WE2026-0001005
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The article examines the social representations of artificial intelligence among healthcare professionals and strategic governance actors within the context of care work through an exploratory survey administered to 114 managers and professionals in the Italian healthcare sector. The study highlights significant tensions: expectations surrounding organizational efficiency and improved access to services coexist with concerns related to the transparency of decision-making processes and the reconfiguration of professional responsibilities. The analysis also reveals processes of boundary work through which the centrality of clinical and professional judgment is reaffirmed, while training emerges as a key space for negotiating the meanings and implications of technological innovation.

Keywords: artificial intelligence; healthcare work; professional expertise; healthcare governance.

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Giulia Banfi, Miriam Ferraro, Pierpaola Pierucci, L’intelligenza artificiale nel lavoro di cura in Italia: rappresentazioni sociali tra governance strategica e professioni sanitarie in "WELFARE E ERGONOMIA" 1/2026, pp 55-70, DOI: 10.3280/WE2026-0001005