Adoption rates and knowledge of generative artificial intelligence in pharmacy practice: A comparative study in an internet-restricted country

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping healthcare, including pharmacy practice through drug interaction screening or treatment monitoring applications. In internet-restricted settings such as Syria, access to most AI-based platforms and digital tools is limited, which may hinder their adoption in community pharmacy practice. However, adoption of AI in such contexts remains largely unexplored. Objective: To evaluate the level of AI adoption among community pharmacists in Syria and compare their familiarity and openness toward AI technologies with that of pharmacy students. Methods: A total of 400 participants based in Syria were included: 200 community pharmacists and 200 pharmacy students. Data were collected through a combination of paper-based surveys (pharmacists) and online questionnaires (students). To enhance understanding, a five-slide presentation explaining basic AI concepts was made available to participants unfamiliar with the topic. Results: = .023). Conclusion: Our findings revealed a clear coexistence of interest in and concern about AI among both community pharmacists and pharmacy students. The study underscores the importance of developing clear regulatory guidance, structured training, and context-appropriate oversight to ensure the safe integration of AI into pharmacy practice, particularly in internet-restricted settings.

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