A Comprehensive Evaluation of AI-Assisted Diagnostic Tools in ENT Medicine: Insights and Perspectives from Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics, particularly in specialized fields such as Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) medicine. However, the successful adoption of AI-assisted diagnostic tools in ENT practice depends on the understanding of various factors; these include influences on their effectiveness and acceptance among healthcare professionals. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the usability and integration of AI tools in ENT practice, determine the clinical impact and accuracy of AI-assisted diagnostics in ENT, measure the trust and confidence of ENT professionals in AI tools, gauge the overall satisfaction and outlook on the future of AI in ENT diagnostics, and identify challenges, limitations, and areas for improvement in AI-assisted ENT diagnostics. A structured online questionnaire was distributed to 600 certified ENT professionals with at least one year of experience in the field. The questionnaire assessed participants’ familiarity with AI tools, usability, clinical impact, trust, satisfaction, and identified challenges. A total of 458 respondents completed the questionnaire, resulting in a response rate of 91.7%. The majority of respondents reported familiarity with AI tools (60.7%) and perceived them as generally usable and clinically impactful. However, challenges such as integration with existing systems, user-friendliness, accuracy, and cost were identified. Trust and satisfaction levels varied among participants, with concerns regarding data privacy and support. Geographic and practice setting differences influenced perceptions and experiences. The study highlights the diverse perceptions and experiences of ENT professionals regarding AI-assisted diagnostics. While there is general enthusiasm for these tools, challenges related to integration, usability, trust, and cost need to be addressed for their widespread adoption. These findings provide valuable insights for developers, policymakers, and healthcare providers aiming to enhance the role of AI in ENT practice.