When AI Feels Supportive: Psychological Safety, Satisfaction, and Turnover Among Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

This study investigated how healthcare professionals' perceptions of AI integration influence job satisfaction and turnover intention, with psychological safety as a mediating mechanism. Based on a three-wave survey of 360 hospital and clinic employees in China, analyzed through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling, the findings show that when AI is perceived as transparent, useful, and supportive, clinicians report higher satisfaction and lower turnover intention. Psychological safety explains these effects, as favorable AI appraisals foster a climate where staff feel safe to voice concerns and take risks, enhancing satisfaction and reducing quitting intentions. While conducted in a collectivist context, the results highlight the need for cross-national validation. Practically, AI implementation should be paired with training, career development, and error-tolerant cultures to ensure adoption strengthens retention. The study contributes by integrating technology-acceptance and Job Demands--Resources perspectives, positioning psychological safety as a key mechanism linking AI to workforce outcomes.

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