Key result
A nationwide survey of 313 Dutch surgeons and residents found that 85% agreed AI could be valuable in surgery and 61% expected it to improve diagnostic ability, despite concerns over accountability.
Why the study?
Most artificial intelligence platforms in surgery remain in research settings, making understanding surgeons' current knowledge and attitudes essential for future development and uptake.
Cross-Sectional (n=313)
Dutch surgeons generally hold a positive attitude toward the implementation of AI in surgical practice, despite recognizing ethical and practical concerns.
May inform AI adoption strategies in surgery; leaves open prospective trials on diagnostic impact and accountability.
Aim: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to improve perioperative diagnosis and decision making. Despite promising study results, the majority of AI platforms in surgery currently remain in the research setting. Understanding the current knowledge and general attitude of surgeons toward AI applications in their surgical practice is essential and can contribute to the future development and uptake of AI in surgery. Methods: In March 2021, a web-based survey was conducted among members of the Dutch Association of Surgery. The survey measured opinions on the existing knowledge, expectations, and concerns on AI among surgical residents and surgeons. Results: A total of 313 respondents completed the survey. Overall, 85% of the respondents agreed that AI could be of value in the surgical field and 61% expected AI to improve their diagnostic ability. The outpatient clinic (35.8%) and operating room (39.6%) were stated as area of interest for the use of AI. Statistically, surgeons working in an academic hospital were more likely to be aware of the possibilities of AI (P = 0.01). The surgeons in this survey were not worried about job replacement, however they raised the greatest concerns on accountability issues (50.5%), loss of autonomy (46.6%), and risk of bias (43.5%). Conclusion: This survey demonstrates that the majority of the surgeons show a positive and open attitude towards AI. Although various ethical issues and concerns arise, the expectations regarding the implementation of future surgical AI applications are high.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Voskens et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Perceptions on artificial intelligence (n=313). Artificial intelligence (perceptions and attitudes) was evaluated on Opinions on existing knowledge, expectations, and concerns on AI. A nationwide survey of 313 Dutch surgeons and residents found that 85% agreed AI could be valuable in surgery and 61% expected it to improve diagnostic ability, despite concerns over accountability.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: