Key Takeaways
- 92% of patients expect to benefit from AI in healthcare, despite limited knowledge about the technology
- 87% of patients are in favor of using AI for diagnostics, and 73% for therapy-related decisions
- Only 28% of patients approved of AI implementation in patient triage
- Patients with higher education, greater self-assessed knowledge about AI, and personal experience with the technology showed greater approval of it
- Most participants approved of the idea of AI as a support system for physicians, rather than a substitute
Introduction to AI in Healthcare
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is gaining momentum, particularly in radiology and other specialties. However, there is limited data on how consumers feel about the proliferation of this technology. A recent survey conducted by European researchers aimed to close this information gap, and the findings were published in the journal Insights into Imaging on January 5. The survey revealed that patients are generally supportive of AI in healthcare, but there are some reservations, particularly when it comes to triage decisions. As Dr. Omid Nikoubashman and colleagues noted, "A possible explanation for the rejection of the use of AI in the field of triage may be that the subject of ‘triage’ is a topic associated with fear and uncertainty."
Survey Methodology and Results
The survey was administered to 200 patients who had a diagnostic imaging appointment between 2022 and 2023 at the University Hospital RWTH Aachen in Germany. The questionnaire was written in plain language, took less than 10 minutes to complete, and included a mix of multiple- and single-choice questions. The respondents had an average age of 49 and were split evenly between men and women. The survey covered sociodemographic factors such as education, migration background, and employment status, as well as a range of disorders, including orthopedic and oncologic conditions. The results showed that 92% of patients expect to benefit from AI in healthcare, despite admitting that their knowledge about the technology is limited. As the authors noted, "it is conceivable that uncertainty towards the mechanisms of triage, combined with uncertainty towards AI, amplifies disapproval in this field."
Patient Attitudes towards AI
The survey revealed that patients are generally supportive of AI in healthcare, with 87% in favor of using it for diagnostics and 73% for therapy-related decisions. However, only 28% approved of AI implementation in patient triage. This finding is notable, as it suggests that patients are more comfortable with AI being used in supportive roles, rather than in high-stakes decision-making. As the authors noted, "most participants approved of the idea of AI as a support system for physicians, rather than a substitute." The survey also found that patients with higher education, greater self-assessed knowledge about AI, and personal experience with the technology showed greater approval of it.
Demographic Factors and AI Acceptance
The study did not uncover any significant differences in how different demographic groups view AI. Previous studies have suggested that seniors, women, and those with lower levels of education and technical affinity have less trust in healthcare AI. However, the study’s sample size may have been too small to detect such differences. As the authors noted, "nonetheless, it still makes sense to pay special attention to the mentioned patient group[s], because [they are] generally at risk of being marginalized in healthcare." The study’s findings emphasize the need for broad efforts to address the concerns of all patients, not only to improve their understanding and acceptance of AI in healthcare but also to protect potentially marginalized groups from possible disadvantages.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The survey’s findings provide valuable insights into patient attitudes towards AI in healthcare. While patients are generally supportive of AI, there are some reservations, particularly when it comes to triage decisions. The study’s results suggest that patients are more comfortable with AI being used in supportive roles, rather than in high-stakes decision-making. As AI continues to gain momentum in healthcare, it is essential to address the concerns of all patients, particularly those who may be at risk of being marginalized. As Dr. Nikoubashman and colleagues noted, "all in all, our results, with approval and disapproval of AI depending on the field of application, emphasize that rather broad efforts must be undertaken to address the concerns of all patients." By doing so, we can ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits all patients, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.
https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/artificial-intelligence/patients-support-ai-diagnostic-imaging-balk-using-it-triage-decisions