Perceptions and attitudes toward artificial intelligence among frontline physicians and physicians' assistants in Kansas: a cross-sectional survey

Objective This survey aims to understand frontline healthcare professionals' perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare and assess how AI familiarity influences these perceptions.Materials and Methods We conducted a survey from February to March 2023 of physicians and physician assistants registered with the Kansas State Board of Healing Arts. Participants rated their perceptions toward AI-related domains and constructs on a 5-point Likert scale, with higher scores indicating stronger agreement. Two sub-groups were created for analysis to assess the impact of participants' familiarity and experience with AI on the survey results.Results From 532 respondents, key concerns were Perceived Communication Barriers (median = 4.0, IQR = 2.8-4.8), Unregulated Standards (median = 4.0, IQR = 3.6-4.8), and Liability Issues (median = 4.0, IQR = 3.5-4.8). Lower levels of agreement were noted for Trust in AI Mechanisms (median = 3.0, IQR = 2.2-3.4), Perceived Risks of AI (median = 3.2, IQR = 2.6-4.0), and Privacy Concerns (median = 3.3, IQR = 2.3-4.0). Positive correlations existed between Intention to use AI and Perceived Benefits (r = 0.825) and Trust in AI Mechanisms (r = 0.777). Perceived risk negatively correlated with Intention to Use AI (r = -0.718). There was no difference in perceptions between AI experienced and AI na & iuml;ve subgroups.Discussion The findings suggest that perceptions of benefits, trust, risks, communication barriers, regulation, and liability issues influence healthcare professionals' intention to use AI, regardless of their AI familiarity.Conclusion The study highlights key factors affecting AI adoption in healthcare from the frontline healthcare professionals' perspective. These insights can guide strategies for successful AI implementation in healthcare. Our survey of board-certified physicians and physician assistants in Kansas reveals their perceptions toward artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. Concerns identified include potential barriers to patient communication, insufficient regulations, and liability issues. Privacy and trust in AI mechanisms are found to be less concerning. Respondents who see benefits in AI express a higher intention to use it, while trust in AI mechanisms correlates with perceived risks.Importantly, these concerns are consistent across respondents, regardless of their experience with AI and technology. This suggests a universal worry among healthcare professionals about how AI may impact their daily practice. By highlighting these concerns, our study underscores the need for careful consideration and management of AI integration in healthcare.