Medical, dental, and nursing students’ attitudes and knowledge towards artificial intelligence: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background Nowadays, Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the most popular topics that can be integrated into healthcare activities. Currently, AI is used in specialized fields such as radiology, pathology, and ophthalmology. Despite the advantages of AI, the fear of human labor being replaced by this technology makes some students reluctant to choose specific fields. This meta-analysis aims to investigate the knowledge and attitude of medical, dental, and nursing students and experts in this field about AI and its application. Method This study was designed based on PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched with relevant keywords. After study selection according to inclusion criteria, data of knowledge and attitude were extracted for meta-analysis. Result Twenty-two studies included 8491 participants were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled analysis revealed a proportion of 0.44 (95%CI = [0.34, 0.54], P < 0.01, I2 = 98.95%) for knowledge. Moreover, the proportion of attitude was 0.65 (95%CI = [0.55, 0.75], P < 0.01, I2 = 99.47%). The studies did not show any publication bias with a symmetrical funnel plot. Conclusion Average levels of knowledge indicate the necessity of including relevant educational programs in the student’s academic curriculum. The positive attitude of students promises the acceptance of AI technology. However, dealing with ethics education in AI and the aspects of human-AI cooperation are discussed. Future longitudinal studies could follow students to provide more data to guide how AI can be incorporated into education.

Knowledge and attitudes toward artificial intelligence in nursing among various categories of professionals in China: a cross-sectional study

“…This study showed that only 32% of nurses and 39.1% of other healthcare professionals were completely or almost understood AI, and only 21.4% of nurses and 17.5% of healthcare professionals were completely or almost completely understood AI’s application in nursing, consistent with previous studies ( 44 ). In response to the general lack of awareness of AI among medical students and healthcare professionals, the level of awareness can be increased by incorporating AI into medical school curricula or by increasing AI-related training ( 45 , 46 ).…”