Awareness of medical students about the role of artificial intelligence in health care: A survey-based cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially by computers. In the recent past, the utility of AI has been tested and proven in many fields like health care, education, finance, defense, etc. AI has received so much attention these days and is described as the new electricity and the fourth industrial revolution. It is anticipated that AI’s role will be crucial and imminent soon in different fields, including the health sector. The medical graduates need to update their knowledge and keep pace with the new developments in technology. Given this, our study was designed to evaluate the awareness and perception of medical students regarding the basic concepts of AI and its implications in health care. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of the study are to assess the knowledge and perceptions of medical students about AI at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Materials and Methods: The study was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. A prevalidated, self-made questionnaire was distributed to 264 medical students of all professional years through Google Forms. The student’s knowledge, opinions, and perceptions of AI were evaluated. The analysis of the collected data was done with an Excel sheet and using descriptive statistical measures such as mean and percentages. Results: Our study revealed that the majority of the students (79.16%) were under the impression that AI decreases errors in clinical practice. 86% of participants agreed that AI aids doctors in making accurate decisions in the diagnosis and treatment of different conditions. Around 72% of the students said that AI guides the patient to choose the right medical care. Onethird of the participants thought that AI hampers the relationship between patient and doctor by breaking trust between them. A few subsets of participants expressed concerns over ethical issues, confidentiality, empathy, and sympathy, which are considered to be the pillars of medical practice. Conclusions: Our study concluded that medical students at Mamatha Academy of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, have positive perceptions and good awareness about AI and its use in health-care practice, but they still need a better understanding of AI.