Deciphering AI-chatbots utilization in clinical practice, research and education among Chinese medical students in generative AI era: a cross-sectional study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence chatbots (AI-chatbots) are increasingly being applied in the medical field; however, their specific utilization in Chinese medical education and practice remains poorly understood. This study aims to systematically analyze the perception and utilization of AI-chatbots among Chinese medical students, explore potential factors influencing their effectiveness, and provide recommendations for policy development and technological optimization. METHODS: This cross-sectional study utilized an electronic questionnaire distributed through multiple channels to collect data from Chinese medical students, with most participants recruited from Guangdong Province, Southern China. The questionnaire assessed demographic characteristics, AI-chatbot usage patterns, attitudes towards their application in clinical, research, and educational domains, and perspectives on potential issues. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, chi-square tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, Logistic regressions and Pearson correlation analyses. RESULTS: Among 414 respondents, 53.6% had used AI-chatbots, primarily ChatGPT (58%). AI-chatbots were favored for research (36.5%) and education (40.1%), with limited use in clinical practice (4.5%). Users' evaluations of AI-chatbots in research and education were significantly more positive than those of non-users. Use frequency, time, and attention to updates demonstrated significant positive correlations with positive responses (P < 0.05). Information accuracy emerged as a top concern, with over 65% of respondents indicating the urgency for a solution. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that AI-chatbots are widely utilized particularly in research and educational-related domains among Chinese medical students, with our sample most recruited from Southern China. However, the implementation of AI-chatbots in clinical practice continues to face significant challenges. Medical students exhibit a cautiously optimistic attitude towards AI-chatbots, acknowledging their potential while remaining cognizant of associated risks. Future research should prioritize investigating the safety and efficacy of AI-chatbots in clinical practice, as well as exploring optimal strategies for their integration into the medical education curriculum.
Source: BMC Medical Education
Institutions: Beijing Institute of Technology, Jinan University, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Fudan University, Zhongshan Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Changhai Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Nanfang Hospital, South China University of Technology, Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou City People's Hospital, Qingdao University, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Central South University, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, South China Normal University, First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,990
OpenAlex ID: W7155223253