Adoption, Preferences, and Barriers of Using AI-Generated Podcasts in Pharmacy Education

To evaluate student uptake of an optional artificial intelligence (AI)-generated podcast designed to support assignment preparation, and to assess whether prior podcast or AI use and comfort levels influenced utilization of the podcast.

Students at 2 institutions were offered an optional AI-generated podcast to assist with journal club preparation. A 7-item survey captured demographic data, prior podcast and AI usage, comfort level, and preferences. Students who used the podcast completed an additional survey incorporating a modified Technology Acceptance Model Enhanced-ChatGPT questionnaire.

The podcast received 114 plays from 82 users, resulting in an uptake rate of 31.1% (82/264). A total of 102 survey responses were collected (102/264, 38.6%). Overall, 41% (42/102) of survey respondents reported using the podcast. The primary barrier to podcast use was a lack of time. Students who listened cited gaining an additional perspective and curiosity about AI-generated content as primary motivators.

Uptake of AI-generated podcasts was moderate, with less than half of the students engaging with the resource. Among users, the podcast was perceived as beneficial to student success as a supplemental learning tool. Given the low faculty workload and cost associated with generating AI-based audio content, this modality may offer a scalable approach to enhancing out-of-class learning.