Attitudes of Medical School Students Toward Artificial Intelligence in Medical Education: A Survey Study

Abstract

This study aimed to assess medical students' knowledge and attitudes towards artificial intelligence (AI) models and their potential role in medical education and healthcare. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 398 students of Ondokuz Mayıs University Medical Faculty using an online questionnaire administered through Google Forms. Participants' awareness of AI applications, their usage patterns, and their opinions on AI's role in medical education were evaluated. The study found extensive awareness of AI applications among participants, with ChatGPT being the most recognized (%95). The majority of students believed that AI models could benefit medical education and assist in diagnosis and treatment when collaborating with doctors. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential for incorrect results, patient safety, and ethical issues. While students recognized the potential of AI-supported education to enhance learning motivation, they expressed concerns about its impact on creativity. Significant differences were found between classes regarding the acceptance of the proposition that artificial intelligence models will take over our profession in the future (p=0.001). Participants aware of AI applications exhibited a higher agreement rate with the proposition that AI-assisted education is more advantageous than traditional methods (p=0.022). Medical students recognize the potential benefits of AI models in clinical practice and medical education but also highlight concerns about ethical considerations and potential limitations. These findings emphasize the importance of a balanced approach to integrating AI into medical education and practice. © 2024 Ondokuz Mayis Universitesi. All rights reserved.