Artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine has been a topic of interest among physicians, but what do patients really think about it? A recent study led by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) aimed to explore patient attitudes towards AI in healthcare on a global scale. The findings of this study, published in JAMA Network Open, shed light on the importance of aligning AI applications in medicine with patients’ needs.
The study surveyed approximately 14,000 patients across 74 clinics in 43 countries, focusing on radiology departments that perform X-ray, CT, and MRI examinations. The results revealed that the majority of patients (57.6%) viewed the use of AI in medicine positively. Interestingly, men were slightly more favorable towards AI (59.1%) compared to women (55.6%). Approval ratings also increased among individuals who were more familiar with technology and had a higher self-rated understanding of AI, with 83.3% of those who considered themselves highly knowledgeable about AI expressing a positive attitude towards its use in medicine.
One striking finding of the study was that patients in poorer health were more likely to reject the use of AI in medicine. Those with severe illnesses tended to have a more negative attitude towards AI compared to those in good health. While the reasons for this negative sentiment were not fully understood, factors such as experiences with the healthcare system, the burden of illness, and psychological factors were speculated to play a role.
When it comes to the design and use of medical AI, patients had clear preferences. The majority (70.2%) emphasized the importance of AI being explainable, allowing users to understand the reasoning behind its conclusions. Additionally, 72.9% of patients wanted AI to serve as a tool for physicians, with healthcare providers making the final decisions. Only a small percentage (4.4%) preferred diagnoses to be solely made by AI, highlighting the importance of maintaining human involvement in the decision-making process.
The study also pointed out the need for continuous evaluation and alignment of medical AI with patients’ needs. The rapid advancement of AI technologies, especially large language models, suggests that patient attitudes may have evolved since the study was conducted in 2023. Follow-up surveys are crucial to assess these changes and ensure that the development of medical AI remains patient-centered.
In conclusion, patient acceptance is a key factor in the successful integration of AI in healthcare. By understanding patient attitudes and preferences towards AI, healthcare providers can tailor AI applications to better meet the needs and expectations of patients. This study serves as a valuable resource for guiding the future development and implementation of AI in medicine, ultimately enhancing the quality of patient care.
