Factors influencing the acceptance of medical AI chat assistants among healthcare professionals and patients: a survey-based study in China

Abstract

Introduction: This study examines the drivers behind healthcare professionals’ and patients’ acceptance of medical AI chat assistants in China. Methods: A nationwide online survey was conducted from March 10 to April 28, 2024, using quota sampling to collect 500 valid responses, and data were analyzed via structural equation modeling. Results: Performance expectancy, perceived cost, digital access, and digital competence all positively predicted intention to use, whereas patient age and consultation frequency—rather than socioeconomic status—directly influenced actual usage behavior. Discussion: Findings validate an extended UTAUT model in digital-health contexts, highlight cultural moderators of technology acceptance, and inform age-friendly AI design and equitable health-informatization policies in aging societies.