Exploring Medical Students’ and Faculty’s Perception on Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. A Questionnaire Survey

Abstract

Over the last decade, the emerging fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics have been introduced in medicine, gaining much attention. This study aims to assess the insight of medical students and faculty regarding AI and robotics in medicine. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students and faculty of the University of Nicosia. An online questionnaire was used to evaluate medical students’ and faculty’s prior knowledge and perceptions toward AI and robotics. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software, and the statistical significance was assumed as p value < 0.05. Three hundred eighty-seven medical students and 23 faculty responded to the questionnaire. Students who were “familiar” with AI and robotics stated that these breakthrough technologies make them more enthusiastic about working in their speciality of interest (p value = 0.012). Also, students (59.9%) and faculty (47.8%) agreed that physician’s opinion should be followed when doctors’ and AI’s judgment differ and that the doctor in charge should be liable for possible AI’s mistakes (38.8% students: 47.7% faculty). Although the most significant drawback of AI and robotics in healthcare is the dehumanization of medicine (54.5% students; 47.8% faculty), most participants (77.6% students; 78.2% faculty) agreed that medical schools should include in their curriculum AI and robotics by offering relevant courses (39.5% students; 52.2% faculty). Medical students and faculty are not anxious about the advancements of AI and robotics in medicine. Medical schools should take the lead and introduce AI and robotics in undergraduate medical curricula because the new era needs fully aware healthcare providers with better insight regarding these concepts.