The perspectives of Medical Students and Health Professionals
Year: 2021
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Background: When healthcare systems worldwide face unprecedented pressure the growth of information technology use and in particular artificial intelligence (AI) embedded tools promise to improve health and care. However, health professionals remain quite reticent about adopting AI technologies. Such attitude bears the potential to damper its successful implementation since they play a central role in this digital transition. Aims: This investigation aims to explore the perspectives and expectations of health professionals and medical students on the adoption of AI in healthcare while understanding their vision on the main challenges, concerns and opportunities that accompany this process. Materials and methods: Base on technology acceptance models and literature review an online survey was designed and applied. It was composed of eight multiple choice questions and seven questions using a seven-point Likert scale, evaluating interest, knowledge, satisfaction and opinions on AI’s application. A link to the online survey was sent via email to health professionals and medical students through mailing lists of medical faculties and health associations, intending to collect as many answers as possible. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS (version 25). Results: The results provide descriptive analysis covering answers from 119 health professionals and 154 medical students undergoing clinical rotations. Even though the vast majority of respondents agrees it makes sense to integrate AI in health, only one third of them feels their institution is prepared to adopt more AI-based technologies. Less than 15% are satisfied with the current AI applications in the workplace and only about 10% feel supported to use them. The top challenges to AI implementation were considered to be technology costs (75%), healthcare-associated bureaucracy (70%) and lack of training (60%). The main concerns associated with liability issues (66%), increased healthcare inequity (54%) and fear of making bad decisions following AI-based recommendations (51%). The main focus of AI-based tools should aim at making processes more efficient (90%), with staff training (85%) and articulation with other stakeholders (62%) being identified as key aspects to faster developing adequate solutions. Conclusions: AI use in healthcare is still in its begging, with respondents recognizing lack of support and alternatives despite showing interest. There are important challenges that need to be addressed and concerns that need clarification, mirroring the complexity of this matter. Nonetheless, it seems clear that future AI technologies should prioritize overall efficiency thereby tackling health systems’ increasing demand. It seems a wise adoption of AI depends on right attitude and education of all stakeholders, particularly medical students as future care providers, in order to leverage its capabilities.
Author: Bessa, João Pedro Alves de
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7014391460