Perception of Medical Professionals on Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Practices- An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Background: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of healthcare has paved the way for improved diagnostic accuracy, personalized treatment regimens, and overall enhancement in patient outcomes. The AI-related technologies are increasingly being applied in the healthcare sector, with the potential to bring about significant transformations in patient care and routine administrative operations, linking patients, providers, and society at large.

Objectives: The current article seeks to explore the perceptions of Indian doctors and nurses regarding the implementation of AI in their respective work areas.

Methods: Focused group discussions (FGDs) and individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted separately with the target respondents (doctors: FGD: n = 13, IDI: n = 9; nurses: FGD: n = 25, IDI: n = 16) to identify their perspectives and real-time experiences regarding AI integration in everyday workplace practices. The study design is qualitative in nature, with open-ended questions asked to the target respondents. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants for the study.

Results: Two main themes and seven subthemes were identified. The findings suggest that while AI certainly demonstrates potential for enhancing healthcare services, it is important to carefully consider its possible impact on healthcare workforce motivation, patient care, perceptions of patients, and the need to redesign existing healthcare practices.

Conclusions: Artificial intelligence has significant scope and application in the healthcare industry. Indian healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, perceive that intelligent automation can effectively enhance the management of repetitive workflows. However, a section of respondents also expressed concern about potential job losses due to AI integration.