Factors Shaping Healthcare Professionals' Perceptions of AI in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

The successful adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare relies on healthcare professionals' perceptions of its usefulness and their preparedness to integrate it into their practice. This study explores factors influencing these perceptions, focusing on demographic characteristics, computer skills, and AI knowledge. A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia between October 2023 and May 2024. Data were collected using a questionnaire that assessed perceptions of AI's professional impact (FACTOR 1) and preparedness to use AI (FACTOR 2) by using the Shinners Artificial Intelligence Perception (SHAIP) scale. Mann-Whitney tests examined differences in FACTOR 1 and FACTOR 2 by computer skills and AI knowledge. Multivariable linear regression identified predictors of these perceptions. Of the 359 participants, 76.60% reported high computer skills, while 62.12% reported low AI knowledge. Participants with higher computer skills and greater AI knowledge scored significantly higher on both FACTOR 1 and FACTOR 2 (p < 0.05). Gender, involvement in health informatics, and experience with healthcare technology emerged as significant predictors. Female participants reported significantly lower perceptions of AI's professional impact compared to males (β = -0.253, p = 0.020). Participants working in health informatics demonstrated a significantly better perception of AI's professional impact, while professionals with more than five years of experience using healthcare technology scored higher on both factors. In conclusion, digital competencies and AI knowledge are critical for shaping healthcare professionals' perceptions of AI. Targeted interventions and policy to enhance these skills are essential to promote equitable and effective AI adoption in healthcare settings.