Applications of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical Education: A Current Application and Future Prospects in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medical education has transformative potential, yet systematic evidence regarding its adoption and impact remains limited. This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, practice and perception related to AI integration among health staff in Saudi Arabian health colleges. Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed, utilizing an online questionnaire distributed to faculty, clinicians, and administrative personnel across Saudi health colleges. The questionnaire, developed based on expert input and literature review, assessed knowledge and perception regarding AI integration. Validity was ensured through expert review, pilot testing, and cognitive interviews. The questionnaire consisted of 6 domains (academic leadership, academic quality, generative AI in curriculum design and development, teaching methods, assessment and evaluation, and ethics, and challenges). Results: A total of 313 participants were included in this survey, of the respondents, 73.31% were male, with assistant professors comprising nearly half of them (48.55%). Regarding AI use, 37.94% report that they never use general AI, while 30.55% use it sometimes, and 21.86% use it rarely. Significant differences in AI familiarity were observed according to academic rank (p = 0.028). Academic leadership, academic quality, and generative AI received the highest mean scores (4.29±0.64, 4.16±0.70, and 4.16±0.71 respectively), while ethics and challenges scored the lowest (3.80±0.76). Users of AI consistently reported higher mean scores across domains compared to non-users, with statistically significant differences observed for all domains except ethics and challenges. There was a statistically significant correlation between all domains. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of strategic AI integration in Saudi Arabian medical education to effectively address healthcare challenges and enhance learning methodologies and practices.