Physicians' attitudes toward artificial intelligence and ChatGPT: a cross-sectional study.

Area of Science:

• Medical Informatics
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Physician Technology Adoption

Background:

• The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and large language models like ChatGPT into healthcare is rapidly increasing.
• Understanding physician perceptions and readiness is crucial for successful clinical adoption of these technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate physicians' perceptions and readiness for the clinical adoption of AI and ChatGPT.
• To identify factors influencing ChatGPT acceptance among physicians.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 328 physicians.
• Data collected via face-to-face surveys including sociodemographic information, AI/ChatGPT knowledge, and validated instruments (MAIRS, TAME-ChatGPT).
• Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and simple linear regression to determine predictors of acceptance.

Main Results:

• Physicians had moderate AI awareness but limited ChatGPT knowledge; AI competence was the strongest predictor of acceptance.
• Physicians' vision and ethical considerations positively influenced ChatGPT acceptance, while cognition did not.
• Longer medical practice duration and marital status negatively predicted acceptance, whereas knowledge of AI in healthcare showed the strongest positive association.

Conclusions:

• Physicians express cautious optimism towards ChatGPT, with AI competence and ethical considerations being significant factors in acceptance.
• Demographic variables like practice duration and marital status influence adoption rates.
• Implementing structured AI training programs and clear ethical guidelines is vital for the safe and effective integration of generative AI in clinical settings.