Multinational Attitudes Toward AI in Health Care and Diagnostics Among Hospital Patients

Area of Science:

• Health Informatics
• Medical Artificial Intelligence
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Successful implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare hinges on patient acceptance.
• Patients are primary beneficiaries of AI-driven health outcomes.
• Understanding patient trust, concerns, and preferences is vital for AI adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To survey hospital patients globally regarding their trust, concerns, and preferences for AI in healthcare and diagnostics.
• To assess sociodemographic factors influencing patient attitudes toward AI in medicine.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional, anonymous quantitative survey was conducted across 74 hospitals in 43 countries.
• The survey included 13,806 adult patients and assessed general views, trust in AI, AI in diagnostics, and preferences/concerns.
• Statistical analyses included cumulative link mixed and binary mixed-effects models for subgroup analyses.

Main Results:

• A majority (57.6%) viewed AI in healthcare favorably, but attitudes varied significantly by demographics, health status, and tech literacy.
• Female patients and those with poorer health reported less positive attitudes towards AI.
• Patients showed lower trust in AI accuracy for treatment responses and preferred explainable AI and physician-led decision-making.

Conclusions:

• Patient attitudes towards AI in healthcare are complex and influenced by multiple factors.
• Tailored AI implementation strategies are necessary, considering patient demographics, health status, and preferences.
• Emphasizing explainable AI and physician oversight is key for patient trust and acceptance.