Factors Influencing Surgical Patients' and Caregivers' Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence-Supported Healthcare Services: A Cross-Sectional Research

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to examine the influence of surgical patients' and caregivers' general attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) on their perceptions of AI-assisted healthcare. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 450 participants (240 patients and 210 caregivers) in the surgical clinics of a university hospital. Data were collected face-to-face between August- December 2024 using the Sociodemographic Characteristics Form, the Opinion Questionnaire on AI-Assisted Healthcare, and the General Attitudes Towards AI Scale. Descriptive statistics, chi-square analysis, oneway analysis of variance, and multivariate linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. Results: A total of 62.91% of patients and 63.8% of caregivers expressed concerns about AI-based robotic surgeons operating without human intervention. Additionally, 54.5% of patients and 48.5% of caregivers did not want AI-based robotic nurses to perform selfcare tasks. 51.6% of patients and 55.2% of caregivers reported that they did not find AI-based robot nurses trustworthy; 52.9% of patients and 52.3% of caregivers reported that they were concerned about AI-based robot nurses assisting surgery in the operating room. Regression analysis indicated that patients' positive attitudes and education levels accounted for 18% of their views on AI-based healthcare services, while caregivers' attitudes, gender, and education levels explained 25%. Male caregivers demonstrated greater acceptance and trust in AI technologies. Conclusion: Both patients and caregivers expressed reservations about AI-assisted healthcare services, emphasizing the importance of human interaction in medical settings. Enhancing education and awareness of AI's potential benefits may support the seamless integration of these technologies within a patient- centered framework.