Medicine digital transformation: evidence from Chinese physicians on generative artificial intelligence implementation and challenges

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is profoundly transforming the healthcare domain, with generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) and AI chatbots demonstrating significant potential across clinical practice, medical research, and medical education through their robust data generation and personalized interaction capabilities. However, systematic research on how Chinese physicians apply these advanced technologies remains limited, highlighting a critical need to explore real-world application patterns and multidimensional challenges of GenAI technology in medicine from physicians’ perspectives. This study aims to provide empirical evidence for the rational application and responsible governance of GenAI in the Chinese healthcare system, thereby advancing global understanding of AI integration in medicine. This study employed a cross-sectional survey design targeting licensed physicians in China, and data were collected through standardized anonymous electronic questionnaires. To ensure study comprehensiveness and scientific rigor, we systematically reviewed relevant literature to inform questionnaire development. The literature search encompassed studies published between January 2018 and February 2024 indexed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The questionnaire assessed respondents’ demographic characteristics, current applications of AI chatbots in clinical practice, medical research, and medical education, as well as physicians’ attitudes toward AI chatbots and their perceived potential challenges. Results revealed that physicians who had used AI chatbots generally held positive attitudes, while non-users demonstrated significantly more cautious attitudes. Physicians primarily expressed concerns regarding information reliability in AI chatbot application, compliance with relevant academic ethical standards, and possible impacts on critical thinking development among medical professionals. These findings collectively depict an overall attitude toward GenAI in the Chinese medical context that is both enthusiastic and cautious. This study represents one of the few empirical investigations on Chinese physicians’ use of GenAI, with both academic and practical significance. The research findings provide valuable insights into the practical application of GenAI in the Chinese healthcare system and offer evidence-based support for technology optimization, application strategy development, and establishment of systematic risk mitigation mechanisms.

Ähnliche Arbeiten