INTEGRATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO HEALTHCARE SERVICES : HEALTHCARE STUDENTS' PERSPECTIVES

Introduction: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly expanding area in technology that is finding its place in different fields including healthcare.. AI integration has advantages such as streamlined workflow by making tasks more rapid, efficient and precise compared to human effort. AI integration also presents disadvantages such as AI's inability to provide empathetic care, the burden of data mining and preparation, the potential job replacement caused by AI as well as lack of clarity about liability. Studying the perspectives of future healthcare workers, the current healthcare students, about this topic can help to better understand the status quo and facilitate a smooth transition into a technologically enhanced healthcare sector in the nation. This study aims to study the perspectives of QU-Health students about AI in healthcare, their knowledge and perceptions about the topic and any associations that may exist among them. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Qatar University Health Cluster students via an online survey. The obtained findings were analyzed statistically using SPSS software. Results: A total of 193 QU Health students responded to this study. A majority of participants have a positive attitude towards AI, finding it useful and reliable. The most popular advantage of AI was identified as its ability to speed up work processes and a large proportion of study participants believe AI will be most applicable in diagnostic laboratories. Around 40% of them expressed concern for their jobs due to AI and a majority of them believe that AI cannot provide sympathetic care. Significant association was found between participants knowledge about AI and their gender, as well as with their understanding of its limitations and job security. Conclusion: With the ongoing global transition into an automated realm, this study offers insightful findings about the acceptability and hesitance towards AI integration among healthcare students. This study can be a helpful guide for policy makers in the healthcare and education sectors alike to understand and consequently improve their strategy