PD23-03 PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS OF AI IN MEDICINE

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: There are a growing number of uses of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine. AI may have a significant impact on how patients understand and feel about their care. Past surveys on the use of robotics in urologic surgery have shown misunderstanding of robotic risks and capabilities and AI may face similar challenges. Understanding the general public's views and comprehension of medical technology is important to ensure acceptability and quality of counseling and to guide future development. METHODS: A survey was conducted on a convenience sample of visitors to the MN state fair (n= 264). The survey investigated participant beliefs on the capabilities of AI and robotics in medicine and their comfort with such technology. Participants were randomized to receive one of two similar surveys. In the first a diagnosis was made by a physician and in the second by an AI application in order to compare confidence in human and computer‐based diagnosis. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 45 (IQR 28‐59), 58% were female (n=154) vs. 42% male (n=110), 69% had completed at least a bachelor's degree, 88% were Caucasian (n=233) vs. 12% ethnic minorities (n=31) and were from 12 states in the US with most from the Upper Midwest. Participants had nearly equal trust in AI vs. physician diagnoses. However, they were significantly more likely to trust an AI diagnosis of cancer over a doctor's diagnosis when responding to the version of the survey that suggested an AI could make medical diagnosis (p = 9.32e‐06). Though 55% of respondents (n=145) reported they were uncomfortable with automated robotic surgery the majority of the individuals surveyed, 88%, mistakenly believed that partially autonomous surgery was already happening. Almost all (94%, n=249) stated they would be willing to pay for a review of medical imaging by an AI if available. CONCLUSIONS: Most participants express confidence in AI providing medical diagnoses, sometimes even over human physicians. Participants expressed concern with surgical AI, but mistakenly believe it is already happening. As AI applications make their way into medical practice, health care providers should be responsive to the potential amount of misinformation and sensitivity individuals have to how such technology is represented.