Awareness and Perception of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Imaging: A Cross‐Speciality Survey of Indian Medical Practitioners

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the rapidly evolving areas of diagnostic imaging; however, the extent to which medical professionals are willing to apply these tools to routine care in India has not been thoroughly researched. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that evaluated awareness, perceptions and perceived impact of AI among radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons and physicians practising in Gujarat. METHODS: A questionnaire, designed according to Scheetz et al., was completed by 102 practitioners in a structured manner. Frequency distributions, percentage analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. RESULTS: It was also found that 88.2% were aware of AI, with only 47.1% identifying their knowledge as average, and 13.7% as above average. Although AI is not used regularly, 52.9% reported never using AI. Most respondents had a favourable view of AI: 66.7% indicated willingness to implement AI-supported clinical workflow, and 60.8% believed AI would positively affect their area. The issues raised were data security (67.6%), less dependence on specialists (62.7%) and confidence in the black-box systems. Most of the respondents (64.7%) felt that AI would have a significant effect on clinical practice in the next 1-10 years. CONCLUSION: Radiologists expressed relatively more acceptance, and physicians expressed more concern with workforce implications. The results show that there is a significant interest, but unequal readiness, in the specialties. Enhancing AI-specific training and developing governance models can help make the safe and ethical adoption of AI-enabled diagnostic imaging.