Knowledge and Perception of Practicing Anesthetists on Current Techniques, Clinical Applications, and Limitations of Artificial Intelligence in Anesthesiology: An Indian Study

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly gaining importance in modern medicine. Yet, there is a dearth of knowledge on what the anesthesiologists know and think about AI in context. The objective of the study was to find conceptual, contextual, and translational aspects of AI among current practitioners of anesthesiology. Methods: This investigator-initiated, open-label, analytical, cross-sectional, noninterventional study was conducted from February 15, 2024, to March 21, 2024, with personal pursuance on consenting practitioners of anesthesiology using pretested partially open-ended questionnaire from across India. Results: Among 102 respondent anesthesiologists from diverse domains of anesthesiology and wide spectrum of experience and expertise, the majority were in the fifth decade of life, male and qualified professionals; the minority were faculty members and had a decade of practicing experience. Their concepts on techniques, applications, and safety of AI including levels and potentials of use were significant so far as predictive algorithms, assessing vital parameters and perioperative care were concerned. Their attitude on techniques and applications of AI was overall positive on innovation, integration, and employment of algorithms to reduce adverse events and on the incorporation of capacity building as a doable entity. The intended practice was overall significant on techniques and putting into effect an update and institutional practices of AI including predicting problems in real-life practice. However, the majority was apprehensive on the use of AI aligning it with a machine and expressed ethical concerns. Conclusion: The respondents felt that innovation, integration, and implementation of AI in anesthesia can heighten precision and safety in rural and remote areas of all surgical specialties.