Patient Perspectives on AI in Healthcare: A Global Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare, offering potential solutions to escalating costs, limited access, and the demand for personalized care. Though, the successful integration of AI hinges on patient acceptance. A recent scoping review highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing how patients perceive AI in healthcare, revealing both enthusiasm for its benefits and significant ethical concerns.

The Promise of AI in Healthcare

AI applications in healthcare are diverse and expanding. AI assists in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans. Beyond clinical settings, AI is being used to optimize hospital operations, streamline administrative tasks, and improve patient flow. Generative AI tools are also emerging, with the potential to educate patients on complex medical information and even generate postoperative instructions.

Key Factors Influencing Patient Acceptance

A recent scoping review identified four key levels of factors influencing AI acceptance: individual, technology, healthcare, and systemic factors . Patients generally show higher acceptance of AI in diagnostic imaging. Crucially, patients tend to view AI as a supportive technology rather than an autonomous decision-maker.

Ethical Concerns and Patient Hesitations

Despite the potential benefits, patients harbor several concerns regarding AI in healthcare. These include worries about data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential for reduced human interaction. Maintaining human oversight and ensuring transparency are critical for building trust.

The Future of AI and Patient Care

As AI continues to evolve, addressing patient concerns and fostering trust will be paramount. Successful implementation requires a patient-centered approach that prioritizes transparency, ethical considerations, and the preservation of the human element in healthcare. AI is not intended to replace healthcare professionals, but rather to augment their capabilities and improve the quality of care.

Key Takeaways

• AI offers significant potential for improving healthcare efficiency and personalization.
• Patient acceptance is crucial for successful AI integration.
• Key factors influencing acceptance include individual beliefs, technology characteristics, and healthcare system factors.
• Addressing ethical concerns – particularly around data privacy and algorithmic bias – is essential.
• AI should be viewed as a supportive tool for healthcare professionals, not a replacement.