AI frontiers in oncology: Bridging the gap between humanity and machine.

Abstract

e13657 Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming medical education and how healthcare services are delivered. Oncology healthcare professionals (HCPs) can significantly benefit from the advances of AI including optimized diagnostic capabilities, treatment plans, resource allocation, patient outcomes and much more. The synergy between technology and healthcare is strengthening, heralding opportunities for a revolution in medical education and the broader healthcare industry. We developed an introductory AI workshop and conducted pre- and post-surveys, aiming to inform the design of successive workshops and an AI curriculum, to access knowledge, attitudes and perceived challenges for AI integration into Medical Oncology. Methods: An interactive one-hour workshop was conducted for physicians and faculty of the Hematology and Oncology department. 18 participants, encompassing 6 physicians and 12 other HCPs completed a pre- and post-workshop survey. We evaluated participants' knowledge, opinions, and perceived limitations regarding AI in oncology research, practitioner education, and clinical applications using both open and closed-ended questions, such as multiple-choice and 1-5 Likert scale formats. Results: Survey results included 18 pre-workshop and 17 post-workshop participants, 83% had no formal computer science training: AI knowledge in medicine and awareness of clinical AI applications increased by 100%. Interestingly 24% felt the workshop influenced their view on AI's role in their medical career and better prepared for AI-related challenges. 58% believed AI would assist clinicians within 5 years. However, the belief that AI will play a significant role in their own career did not change after the intervention. Data privacy concerns increased by 25%, while concerns about physician over-reliance on AI decreased by 15%. Notably, 76% were motivated to engage with AI during their future practice after the workshop. Conclusions: The AI initiative significantly enhanced oncology healthcare professionals' understanding and readiness for AI integration, despite most lacking prior formal AI education. A marked increase in AI knowledge and motivation to use AI in practice was noted, although perceptions of AI's impact in their day-to-day work remained unchanged with one workshop, contrasting expert views and predictions. Data privacy concerns rose, but decreased fears of over-reliance on AI indicate a more balanced perspective. These findings stress the need for ongoing AI education in healthcare and underscore the importance of baseline evaluations and feedback for shaping future workshops. Since, AI's integration into society is poised to transform healthcare, an AI curriculum is essential.