Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Among Gastroenterologists in Italy: A National Survey

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: An extensive body of evidence regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in gastroenterology is currently available, but the transition of these technologies to the bedside is still in progress. This national survey aims to assess the perceptions of AI among gastroenterologists in Italy. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 320 Italian gastroenterologists and trainees in gastroenterology were invited to answer a web-based survey. A sub-group analysis between the two categories was performed. <b>Results</b>: Data from 150 respondents were analyzed. Of these, 67.3% were gastroenterologists and 32.7% trainees. Notably, 99.3% reported familiarity with AI in gastroenterology, with 49.3% currently using AI tools, indicating high levels of awareness and current use. Participants expressed low concerns regarding reliability on a 0-to-10-point scale (median = 4), legal and ethical issues (median = 5), and data protection (median 5), whereas regulatory concerns were moderate (median = 6), representing a key concern. Subgroup analysis revealed that male gastroenterologists had a higher understanding of AI (median = 7) compared to females (median 6, <i>p</i> = 0.036). Additionally, older gastroenterologists showed greater ease of use in AI endoscopy tools (median 8 vs. 7, <i>p</i> = 0.040) and raised more regulatory concerns (median 7 vs. 6, <i>p</i> = 0.036). <b>Conclusions</b>: The data from this survey show that Italian gastroenterologists have high-level awareness and a favorable perception of AI systems, with a good diffusion of AI tools across the national territory and reasonable concerns about regulatory issues, raising attention on international AI regulations.

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