Gender-based differences in perceptions of artificial intelligence in clinical cardiothoracic surgery

Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to reshape cardiothoracic (CT) surgery. Prior studies suggest different attitudes and adoption rates of AI based on gender. This study explores these gender-based differences further to identify domains in which differences might exist.

A survey addressing the use of AI in CT surgery was created and distributed to members of multiple international CT surgery societies. Results were collected electronically. Responses were scored on a 5-point Likert scale and then collapsed into 3 categories for χ² analysis. Free text responses were organized thematically.

Data from 412 CT surgeons were analyzed, including 344 men and 68 women specializing in cardiac (n = 213) and thoracic (n = 176) surgery. Geographic representation included North America (65%), Europe (24%), and Asia (11%). In comparing subspecialties, female CT surgeons were more likely than male surgeons to assign a limited role to AI. North American female surgeons saw the smallest role for AI. Female surgeons' hopes for AI focused on reductions in administrative burden and efficiency gains, while men sought improved diagnostic accuracy and decision making support. Women were worried about systemic biases and clinical dehumanization, while men were concerned with the technical implementation of AI.

Gender is associated with CT surgeons' perceptions of AI in clinical care, with women, particularly thoracic subspecialists, expressing more reservations than men. It is important to understand these different views, as adoption of AI in CT surgery may have an important impact on gender equity in the field.