Awareness of Para Medical Students about the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Tirunelveli Medical College - A Survey Based Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially by computers. AI is set to shape the future of medical practice. The perspective and understanding of medical students are critical for guiding the development of educational curricula and training. In the recent past, the utility of AI has been tested and proven in many fields like health care, education, finance, defence, etc. AI has received so much attention these days and is described as the new electricity and the fourth industrial revolution. Paramedical graduates need to update their knowledge and keep pace with new developments in technology. Given this, our study was designed to evaluate paramedical students awareness and perceptions of basic AI concepts and their implications in health care. Objective: To assess the knowledge and perceptions of paramedical students about AI in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: The study was a questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study. A pre-validated, self-made questionnaire was distributed to 286 paramedical students of all courses through Google Forms by WhatsApp. The student’s knowledge, opinions, and perceptions of AI were evaluated. The analysis of the collected data was done with an Excel sheet and using descriptive statistical measures such as mean and percentages. Result: A total of 286 paramedical students have participated in the study. The majority of participants were from the B.Sc. AHS students, who constituted around 42% of the total students. Among the study participants, 84.2% were females and 15.8% were males. The majority of students, 90.2%, belonged to the 17-20 age group. 85.3% of the students revealed that AI aids doctors in making accurate decisions in the diagnosis and treatment of different conditions 50.4% of students said yes to the question that AI has a role in decreasing errors in clinical laboratory. Around 40.2% of the students said that AI guides the patient to choose the right medical care. 29.3% of the students thought that AI hampers the relationship between patient and doctor by breaking trust between them. Around 54.6% of the students responded positively when we asked a question regarding the incorporation of basic concepts of AI in the academic curriculum, and 61.5% were of the opinion that training in AI during medical school would improve their job opportunities in the future. Around 66.1% of the students agreed with the statement that AI has an important role in scientific research related to laboratory medicine. 50.5% of the students think that medication errors in hospitals can be minimised and prevented by AI. Around 60.8% of the students think that training is needed to prevent and solve ethical issues that may arise with AI applications. Less than half of the students think that AI would affect the employment of doctors and other healthcare workers. Conclusion: Our study concluded that paramedical students at Tirunelveli Medical College, Tirunelveli, have positive perceptions and good awareness about AI and its use in healthcare practice, but they still need a better understanding of AI.