Healthcare professionals and integration of AI

This study aimed to identify the key factors influencing healthcare
professionals' (HCPs) intention to integrate artificial intelligence
(AI) into their practice. A cross-sectional survey was administered to
HCPs across 10 professional associations in Québec, Canada. A total of 712
HCPs responded to our survey (response rate = 12%). Of these, 484 fully
answered the survey questionnaire, comprising 430 (89%) AI non-users and
54 (11%) AI users. A research model was developed based on a combination
of widely recognized behavioral theories commonly used in the digital
health domain. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and partial
least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The analysis
revealed that HCPs' beliefs about the role of AI in their job and
profession positively influence their intention to integrate AI into their
practice (β = 0.29, p < 0.05). Trust in AI also significantly
predicted HCPs’ intentions (β = 0.29, p < 0.01). Digital literacy,
particularly familiarity with AI, was found to be another key predictor,
influencing both beliefs about AI (β = 0.24, p < 0.001) and trust
in AI (β = 0.29, p < 0.001). However, attitudes towards AI's
impactfulness and anxiety about AI did not significantly affect HCPs'
intention to integrate AI. The study highlights the importance of
enhancing digital literacy and building positive beliefs and trust in AI
among HCPs to facilitate AI integration. Educational programs and
initiatives aimed at increasing familiarity with AI technologies may
promote more favorable perceptions and greater trust, thereby encouraging
AI adoption in healthcare. Future research should explore these factors in
different countries and among various healthcare professions to provide a
more comprehensive understanding of AI adoption in healthcare.