Survey to healthcare professionals on the practicality of AI services for healthcare

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already in use in many fields of healthcare, and utilization of AI in state-of-the art healthcare services is growing, with many studies showing that AI can provide benefits in healthcare processes. However, there is a need for research about healthcare professionals’ willingness to use AI-based services, and their consideration about in which cases AI could provide better healthcare outcomes and reduce healthcare professionals’ workload. Methods: We studied the latest technologies and methods from current healthcare AI services’ end-users to create a survey on healthcare services, including use cases that could be beneficial for healthcare professionals.  We focused on studying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications and services which utilize modern AI features. The purpose of our survey for healthcare professionals was to provide an analysis of the healthcare services that utilize AI features, which could provide better health outcomes from a healthcare professional and care process point of view. Results: AI features, such as health monitoring, medication management, and connected machines are considered to have high benefit in healthcare workflow. Moreover, we found that the majority (67.8%) of healthcare professionals are willing to use AI for supporting decision making or even providing independent diagnosis. In total, 28.9% of healthcare professionals are willing to use AI in a restricted manner to help professionals in care processes. Only 3.3% of respondents are not willing to use AI-based services at all. Conclusions: Our survey indicated that the willingness of healthcare professionals to use different AI in healthcare technology solutions is high.