The AI doctor will see you now: public perspectives on artificial intelligence in healthcare

Abstract

Abstract Objectives The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a growing field of research and clinical application. The views of the general public, that is, current and future healthcare users, need to be surveyed and interpreted so that researchers and the public have a shared understanding of the appropriate use of AI. Currently, there are only limited data on the public’s views. The aim of this study is to understand the public’s perspective on the use of AI in healthcare. Methods An anonymous, quantitative questionnaire was administered as part of a public exhibition on AI. The questionnaire contained 8 questions based on previously validated subject areas designed to assess respondents’ views on the use of AI in healthcare. Brief demographic data were also collected. Results The population surveyed was more diverse and younger than the general UK population (64% White, 45% aged 18-29). Respondents were largely comfortable with the application of AI in healthcare: 80% felt positively about its use, 56% thought it would be safe. Seventy-one percent did not feel that it would replace doctors, and most would not be happy for AI to make decisions without considering their feelings. Conclusions Our study shows that the subset of the general public we surveyed, largely comprised of young, likely future healthcare users, is comfortable with the use of AI in healthcare, but does not see it as a replacement for doctors. Advances in knowledge This article highlights views from a subset of the general public on the use of AI in healthcare, which is largely under researched.

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