Unveiling Healthcare Practitioners' Knowledge and Acceptance of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

Background: The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize healthcare delivery systems profoundly. With its capacity to enhance diagnostics, treatment, and patient care, understanding AI's role and integration in healthcare is crucial for medical professionals and students. Objective: This study aims to assess the familiarity, knowledge, and comprehension of AI among medical students and physicians, identifying both challenges and opportunities associated with its use in medicine. Methods: A structured questionnaire, adapted from established scales, was used to collect data from students and physicians at a public sector medical university. The study employed simple random sampling to ensure a representative sample, with a focus on collecting comprehensive demographic and AI-related knowledge data. Results: Of the 600 participants surveyed, 70% reported basic knowledge of AI, yet only 28% were aware of its specific applications in healthcare. Interestingly, 85% of respondents acknowledged the potential of AI to significantly enhance healthcare delivery and research. Conclusion: While there is a basic awareness of AI among medical professionals and students, there is a notable gap in understanding its specific applications in healthcare. The study highlights the need for mandatory training programs that enhance AI awareness and application in medical settings.