Understanding AI in Healthcare: Perspectives of Future Healthcare Professionals

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Health Informatics

Background:

• The current medical curriculum has a significant gap in artificial intelligence (AI) training.
• This deficiency may impact future healthcare delivery and the preparedness of medical professionals.
• There is a critical need to assess AI understanding and readiness among medical students, especially in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the awareness, perceptions, readiness, confidence, and ethical considerations of medical students regarding AI in healthcare.
• To identify the necessity of integrating AI competencies into medical education.
• To prepare future healthcare professionals for an AI-driven healthcare landscape.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted among Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) students (2019-2023 batch).
• An exploratory survey using a validated questionnaire assessed students' understanding, perceptions, readiness, confidence, and ethical considerations of AI in clinical practice.
• Data from 217 respondents were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Students demonstrated a mean awareness score of 44.74% and a perception score of 68.96%.
• Readiness scores were high (91.32%), confidence scores moderate (58.48%), and ethics importance scores significant (69.27%).
• Male students generally scored higher in awareness, confidence, and readiness, while junior batches showed better perception, confidence, and readiness.

Conclusions:

• Medical students possess a positive outlook on AI's potential to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
• There is a strong inclination for further AI education and practical training, with recognition of ethical implications.
• Integrating AI literacy into medical curricula is essential for equipping future professionals to navigate AI in healthcare ethically and effectively.