Physicians' Perceptions and Expectations of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Clinical Decision Support System in Cancer Care in an Underserved Setting

Abstract

Objectives Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being increasingly incorporated into health care. However, few studies have evaluated users' expectations of such tools, prior to implementation, specifically in an underserved setting. Methods We conducted a qualitative research study employing semistructured interviews of physicians at The Instituto do Câncer do Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil. The interview guide focused on anticipated, perceived benefits and challenges of using an AI-based clinical decision support system tool, Watson for Oncology. We recruited physician oncologists, working full or part-time, without prior experience with any AI-based tool. The interviews were taped and transcribed in Portuguese and then translated into English. Thematic analysis using the constant comparative approach was performed. Results Eleven oncologists participated in the study. The following overarching themes and subthemes emerged from the analysis of interview transcripts: theme-1, “general context” including (1) current setting, workload, and patient population and (2) existing challenges in cancer treatment, and theme-2, “perceptions around the potential use of an AI-based tool,” including (1) perceived benefits and (2) perceived challenges. Physicians expected that the implementation of an AI-based tool would result in easy access to the latest clinical recommendations, facilitate standardized cancer care, and allow it to be delivered with greater confidence and efficiency. Participants had several concerns such as availability of innovative treatments in resource-poor settings, treatment acceptance, trust, physician autonomy, and workflow disruptions. Conclusion This study provides physicians' anticipated perspectives, both benefits and challenges, about the use of an AI-based tool in cancer treatment in a resource-limited setting.