Integrating AI in medical education: a comprehensive study of medical students' attitudes, concerns, and behavioral...

To analyze medical students' perceptions, trust, and attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in medical education, and explore their willingness to integrate AI in learning and teaching practices.

This cross-sectional study was performed with undergraduate and postgraduate medical students from two medical universities in Beijing. Data were collected between October and early November 2024 via a self-designed questionnaire that covered seven main domains: Awareness of AI, Expectations and concerns about AI, Importance of AI in education, Potential challenges and risks of AI in education and learning, The role and potential of AI in education, Perceptions of generative AI, and Behavioral intentions and plans for AI use in medical education.

A total of 586 students participated in the survey, 553 valid responses were collected, giving an effective response rate of 94.4%. The majority of participants reported familiarity with AI concepts, whereas only 43.5% had an understanding of AI applications specific to medical education. Postgraduate students exhibited significantly higher levels of awareness of AI tools in medical contexts compared with undergraduate students (p < 0.001). Gender differences were also observed, with male students showing more enthusiasm and higher engagement with AI technologies than female students (p < 0.001). Female students expressed greater concerns regarding privacy, data security, and potential ethical issues related to AI in medical education than male students (p < 0.05). Male students or postgraduate students showed stronger behavioral intentions to integrate AI tools in their future learning and teaching practices.

Medical students exhibit optimistic yet cautious attitudes toward the application of AI in medical education. They acknowledge the potential of AI to enhance educational efficiency, but remain mindful of the associated privacy and ethical risks. Strengthening AI education and training and balancing technological advancements with ethical considerations will be crucial in facilitating the deep integration of AI in medical education.

Not clinical trial.