Optimistic and ambivalent attitudes toward clinical artificial intelligence

Area of Science:

• Healthcare technology
• Medical informatics
• Clinical artificial intelligence

Background:

• Artificial intelligence (AI) integration in healthcare is growing, but understanding of healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspectives is limited.
• This study addresses the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HCPs regarding AI in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate HCPs' perceptions of AI in clinical practice.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for AI adoption in healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 260 HCPs (physicians, nurses, technicians) at a Turkish tertiary hospital.
• The Healthcare Professionals and Artificial Intelligence Questionnaire assessed AI knowledge, workplace use, attitudes, concerns, and educational needs.

Main Results:

• Most HCPs reported limited AI knowledge (64.6% basic, 23.1% none) and low AI usage (24.6%).
• Despite limited experience, attitudes toward AI were generally positive, with high willingness for AI education (76.9%) but minimal prior training (6.2%).
• Physicians showed more confidence in AI than nurses, who prioritized data security. Concerns included patient safety and misdiagnosis risks.

Conclusions:

• HCPs view AI as a supportive tool, not a replacement, but face barriers like limited AI literacy, unclear legal responsibilities, and insufficient training.
• Profession-specific education and robust governance frameworks are essential for responsible AI integration in healthcare.