Objective:

To assess patient attitudes toward artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, particularly in radiology, and the importance of physician oversight.

Approach:

• Study Design: 162 patients attending outpatient imaging appointments completed an 18-item questionnaire assessing attitudes toward AI in healthcare.
• Data Analysis: Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify underlying themes in patient attitudes, with demographic evaluations.

Key Findings:

• 78% of respondents believed AI would be useful in healthcare.
• 64% supported the use of AI in healthcare.
• 71% believed physicians should remain responsible for decisions involving AI.
• 70% believed AI could reduce healthcare waiting times.
• 93% considered it important to be treated as a person rather than 'a number'.
• 50% did not trust a computer to make medical decisions.
• The researchers identified three principal domains influencing patient attitudes: utility and safety, interaction, and comparability to physicians.

Interpretation:

Patients value physician oversight in AI applications in radiology and express opposition to autonomous decision-making.

Limitations:

• Conducted at a single urban UK hospital network, limiting generalizability.
• Used a convenience sample of outpatient imaging patients.
• Questionnaire was concise, providing an overview rather than in-depth qualitative assessment.

Conclusion:

Patients favor AI that supports physician involvement, emphasizing the importance of human aspects in care.

Sources:

• British Journal of Radiology