The Human-AI Frontier: An in-depth exploration of physicians' apprehension and Outlook Towards Artificial Intelligence in gastroenterology healthcare

Abstract

Introduction

Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have transformed healthcare, offering potential in diagnosis, treatment, and patient management in gastroenterology. Understanding physicians' attitudes towards AI in gastroenterology, especially in Saudi Arabia, is crucial. This study aims to assess Saudi physicians' awareness, acceptance, and expectations of AI in gastroenterology healthcare, informing strategies for successful integration and improved patient care.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia, aimed to explore an in-depth exploration of Physicians' apprehension and outlook towards AI among gastroenterology healthcare professionals. A questionnaire was developed, validated, and administered to a sample of 612 participants from various specialties across the Kingdom. Data collection spanned three months using convenience sampling. Statistical analysis included descriptive and inferential methods, with ethical considerations ensuring participant confidentiality and informed consent.

Result

The survey of 612 respondents examined response rates regarding socio-demographic factors, AI adaptation, familiarity with AI tools, perceptions, concerns, and expectations in gastroenterology healthcare. Statistically significant findings included the potential impact of gender (p ​= ​0.052), nationality (p ​= ​0.051), age (p ​= ​0.049), region (p ​= ​0.044), specialty (p ​= ​0.033), years of practice (p ​= ​0.039), and work sector (p ​= ​0.036) on response rates. Similarly, adaptation to AI (p ​= ​0.035), familiarity with AI tools (p ​= ​0.034), perceptions about AI replacing human doctors (p ​= ​0.034), concerns about AI implementation (p ​≤ ​0.05), and expectations of physicians' roles in AI-driven gastroenterology healthcare (p ​≤ ​0.05) significantly influenced response rates. These results underscore the multifaceted factors shaping engagement with AI in gastroenterology healthcare surveys, highlighting avenues for further exploration and analysis.

Conclusion

The study investigates clinicians' knowledge, attitudes, expectations, and acceptance of AI in gastroenterology healthcare, providing insights into factors influencing engagement with AI, contributing significantly to understanding the complex dynamics surrounding AI in healthcare.