Background: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in emergency medicine holds promise for improving patient care and clinical decision-making. Understanding the perceptions and attitudes of emergency medicine specialists towards AI is essential for the effective implementation and adoption of AI technologies in clinical practice.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the perceptions and awareness of AI integration among emergency medicine specialists in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A structured survey questionnaire was administered to 170 participants, supplemented by in-depth interviews with a subset of participants. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.
Results: Among the 170 participants, a significant proportion (38.8%) expressed agreement that AI could be used to optimize triage in emergency medicine. However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of a clear strategy for AI implementation, with 53.5% strongly disagreeing that their workplace had such a plan. Furthermore, 68.8% of participants reported a lack of formal training or education in AI. Mixed opinions were observed regarding the impact of AI on workload and professional roles, with 46.5% agreeing that AI facilitates healthcare professionals’ access to information, while 15.3% expressed concerns about AI devaluing the medical profession.
Conclusion: The findings underscore the importance of addressing organizational, educational, and ethical challenges to facilitate the effective integration of AI in emergency medicine practice. Healthcare institutions must develop comprehensive strategies for AI implementation, prioritize education and training initiatives, and adopt a human-centric approach to AI integration. Collaboration between healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and regulatory bodies is essential to harness the potential of AI while ensuring patient safety, privacy, and trust.
Key words: Perception, AI integration, Emergency medicine, Saudi Arabia, clinical-decision making.
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