Attitude towards artificial intelligence among medical students in Kerala

Abstract

Objectives: Surveys conducted on a global scale have revealed a significant level of importance in artificial intelligence (AI) among medical pupils’. There have been no inquiries overseen in Kerala to explore the opinions of medical students regarding the consumption of AI in health care or their level of understanding of AI. We seek to evaluate the depths of Kerala’s medical learners concerning AI, both in the field of health care and its potential integration into the medical program. Methods: A digital scrutiny apparatus was created through a thorough examination of existing text and collaboration with doyens in the field. The inquiry was tested with a trio of medical learners and improved based on their valuable input. We distributed a digital probe to all medical pupils in Kerala, which amounted to around 20,000 students. The survey was available for responses from April 1st, 2024 to June 1st, 2024. The students’ responses were carefully analysed, both in terms of categories and the content of their free text comments. The analysis was conducted using open coding techniques to ensure a thorough qualitative analysis. Results: In total, 1000 students provided comprehensive answers to all the questions. A significant proportion of students (82.0%) fell within the age range of 20-29 years, pursuing medicine as their undergraduate degree (85%). Many students showed a keen interest in AI, with a significant majority (79.9%) expressing their curiosity. A large percentage (83.1%) asserted to have a basic realizing of AI, but when it came to the fundamental computational principles of AI, only a minority (39.8%) agreed that they grasped them. Similarly, more than half of the students (51.6%) acknowledged their lack of knowledge regarding the limitations of AI. Most students (81.1%) had not obtained any instruction in AI. A significant portion of students (57.3%) expressed their support for incorporating AI into medical training, while a majority (76.2%) expressed a desire for increased emphasis on teaching AI in medicine. A significant portion (61.3%) of medical students expressed a lack of worry about the potential effect of AI on their job safety as doctors. According to the survey, the majority of students believe that radiology, pathology, and medical administration are the specialties that will be most affected by AI. On the other hand, psychiatry, palliative care, and obstetrics and gynaecology are considered to be the least likely to be stuck by AI. Through qualitative study of the free text notes, it was discovered that AI is viewed as a valuable tool rather than a replacement for doctors. This finding emerged as a common theme. Conclusion: It seems that medical students in Kerala have shown a keen interest in AI. However, their knowledge about AI is limited and they feel they lack a deep understanding of its fundamental computational principles and limitations. It seems that AI is currently lacking in the medical curriculum in Kerala and India, and a majority of surveyed students expressed their support for its implementation. These findings align with previous surveys conducted on a global scale.