Healthcare professionals’ preparedness concerning the integration of artificial intelligence within hospital environments: Findings from a nationwide study 

Abstract

Background: The increasing efficacy of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing different aspects of healthcare operations in hospital environments is becoming more evident. As AI is expected to be rapidly integrated into routine clinical practices and administrative processes in hospitals, assessing healthcare providers’ preparedness to adopt AI applications in both clinical and administrative contexts-focusing on understanding and perceptions of AI, as well as the perceived benefits and drawbacks-has become increasingly imperative. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted utilizing a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire administrated via Google Forms to multi-professional providers employed in public hospital environments. The sample comprised 567 participants from various professional backgrounds (medical = 113, nursing = 307, laboratory/allied health = 78, and administrative = 69). The internal consistency was deemed acceptable (Cronbach’s α = 0.76). Results: Findings showed that participants rated their knowledge from moderate to good, and most of them had a positive attitude towards the possibilities of AI in the modernization of healthcare. Particularly in terms of accelerating procedures (M = 3.63 ± 0.94), handling massive datasets more easily (M = 3.53 ± 1.02), and the decrease in hospital errors (M = 3.48 ± 0.98). Despite these tangible benefits, participants expressed concerns regarding AI’s limitations concerning empathy (M = 3.96 ± 1.05), flexibility and patient-level personalization (M = 3.44 ± 1.05), the handling of unforeseen situations (M = 3.49 ± 1.02), and the management of ethical dilemmas (M = 3.58 ± 0.99). A favorable view of AI was found to be closely linked to a perception of its benefits, while the different sociodemographic characteristics showed that preparedness is not consistent. Conclusion: Results illustrate a pattern of “critical readiness”, where although most healthcare professionals are willing to embrace AI and feel ready to its usage, they also emphasize that all providers should have equal opportunities to use it, have appropriate training, governance safeguards should be implemented, and a clear accountability structure should be defined to ensure responsible use.