Medical and Dental Professionals Readiness for Artificial Intelligence for Saudi Arabia Vision 2030

Abstract

Healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness is defined as adequate knowledge, attitudes, and skills such that health professionals are prepared for AI use in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to assess readiness levels for AI among medical and dental professionals in Saudi Arabia. A cross- sectional study of 334 medical and dental students and practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Data were collected with a self-administered online questionnaire using the Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale (MAIRS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and t-tests using SPSS software. The level of significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Participants’ MAIRS responses ranged from a mean (m) of 2.26 and a standard deviation (SD) of 1.17 to m = 2.76 and SD = 1.7 out of 5, indicating low levels of AI readiness. Dental professionals had significantly (p < 0.05) better readiness on 21 (of 22) MAIRS items. Only one item was significantly (p<0.05) associated with gender or qualifications. Participants had low readiness levels for AI, although dental professionals had significantly better scores. It is recommended that AI material and hands-on training be provided during undergraduate and postgraduate education for Saudi Arabian medical and dental professionals