Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Orthopedic Practice: Modeling Attitudes and Intentions to Use AI

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Artificial intelligence is increasingly used in medicine, particularly in orthopedics, to support medical image interpretation, diagnosis, clinical decision-making, and treatment selection. Its integration into clinical practice depends largely on doctors’ perceptions and attitudes toward this technology. This study aimed to identify the main factors associated with Romanian orthopedic doctors’ attitudes toward AI and their intention to use it in clinical practice. Methods: The study included 166 doctors specializing in Orthopedics and Traumatology in Romania. Data were collected through an online questionnaire using non-probability snowball sampling. The conceptual model examined the associations between five factors and doctors’ attitudes toward AI: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust in AI, digital competencies, and perceived advantages. The relationship between attitude and intention to use AI was also analyzed. The model was tested using structural equation modeling with WarpPLS 8.0. Results: All factors were positively and significantly associated with doctors’ attitudes toward AI. Perceived usefulness showed the largest association with attitude (β = 0.27), followed by digital competencies (β = 0.22). The model explained 83% of the variance in attitude. Attitude was positively associated with intention to use AI (β = 0.65), with the model explaining 43% of the variance in intention. The model showed a GoF of 0.707 and an AFVIF of 2.645. Conclusions: The findings may support healthcare managers in developing digitalization strategies, structured digital competency training, and clear institutional guidelines for the safe and effective use of AI in clinical practice.