Perceptions and Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence in Medical Students: A Multicenter Survey.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Digital Health

Background:

• Generative artificial intelligence (AI) presents significant potential for transforming medical training.
• Understanding current medical student utilization of generative AI is crucial for its integration into healthcare education.
• The implications of AI in medicine extend to patients, providers, and society.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the usage patterns, frequency, and perceptions of generative AI among Canadian medical students.
• To identify how medical students employ generative AI in educational and clinical contexts.
• To assess perceived barriers and enablers influencing generative AI adoption in medical training.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to medical students across six Ontario, Canada medical schools.
• The survey investigated generative AI use in education, clinical settings, and communication.
• Perceived barriers, enablers, and willingness to integrate AI into future practice were assessed.

Main Results:

• Over 78.9% of 167 respondents reported using generative AI, with ChatGPT being the most common tool.
• Frequent use (at least weekly) was reported by 53.0% of students.
• Students utilized AI for learning medical content, summarizing guidelines, and generating differential diagnoses, with high willingness (92.8%) to integrate it into practice, while acknowledging risks of inaccuracy and bias.

Conclusions:

• Generative AI is widely adopted by Canadian medical students for various learning and clinical support tasks.
• Students are keen to integrate AI into future practice but are aware of its limitations.
• Medical education institutions should consider developing policies and curricula for the ethical and effective use of generative AI.