Growing Support for AI in Healthcare: Survey Reveals Healthcare Professionals Embrace AI for Clinical and Administrative Tasks
Artificial intelligence (AI) is gaining increasing interest and acceptance within the healthcare industry, according to a recent survey conducted by GlobalData. The survey, titled AI in Clinical Practice – Physician Perspective 2023, indicates that healthcare professionals are showing a growing endorsement for using AI in both clinical and administrative tasks.
The survey, which included responses from 426 healthcare industry professionals based in various countries, including the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, Japan, and China, found that 49 percent of respondents with previous AI experience strongly supported the use of AI in clinical practice and administrative functions. This growing interest in AI can be attributed to the escalating complexity and expanding volumes of data within healthcare settings.
Physicians who had prior experience with AI demonstrated higher levels of support for the technology when utilized in clinical practice. The extent of their experience with AI is considered a driving factor in the ongoing digital transformation of healthcare. The survey also revealed that diagnostics support and treatment decision support were the two most popular use cases for AI tools among the surveyed professionals.
Interestingly, the survey found that respondents who had previous AI experience had a more positive outlook regarding patient acceptance of AI for clinical decision support. This suggests that patients are becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of AI playing a role in their healthcare.
While variations exist among different medical sectors, the survey identified oncology as one field where AI is being effectively utilized for tasks such as risk prediction and disease diagnosis. Beyond clinical applications, the majority of physicians expressed a great level of comfort in using AI for automating administrative tasks. This finding suggests that AI holds potential for streamlining healthcare operations, leading to increased administrative efficiencies in medical practices.
On a global scale, China stands out as a prominent player in embracing AI within the healthcare landscape. This reflects the country’s keen interest in leveraging digital technology to advance its healthcare industry.
In addition to clinical practice and administrative tasks, AI is also being applied in drug development, including target identification and drug repurposing.
The findings of this survey highlight the growing support for AI in healthcare and the positive attitude among healthcare professionals regarding its potential benefits. However, it is crucial to consider that opinions may vary depending on the application and the supporting evidence. Balancing the advantages of AI with ethical considerations and ensuring patient trust will be crucial as the healthcare industry continues to embrace and integrate AI technology.
Overall, the survey reveals a positive trend towards the adoption of AI in healthcare, with healthcare professionals recognizing its potential to enhance clinical decision-making, streamline administrative processes, and improve patient care. As the field of AI in healthcare continues to evolve, it is vital to maintain a balanced approach, considering both the benefits and the ethical considerations associated with the use of AI in various healthcare settings.
