Physician opinions on generative artificial intelligence reverse course, trend positive

Editor's Note

Nearly 7 in 10 physicians responding to a recent Wolters Kluwer Health survey report that their views on the healthcare benefits of generative artificial intelligence (AI) have shifted in a positive direction during the past year. Detailed in an April 16 report, the survey also reveals that 40% are ready to use generative AI in point-of-care interactions with patients as early as this year.

However, doctors also expressed caution, with 89% reporting they would need to know where information came from, who created it, and how it was sourced before using it in clinical decisions. A higher percentage—91%—goes further, saying they need to know that materials sourced by generative AI were created by doctors and medical experts.  

When asked how generative AI could support decision making or improve point-of-care interactions:

• 81% say it will improve care team interaction with patients.
• 68% say it can save time by searching medical literature.
• 59% say it can save time by summarizing data from the electronic health record (EHR).
• 3% do not believe patient interactions will improve.

Consumer views on how generative AI will impact physician-patient interactions are very different, according to Wolters Kluwer survey of U.S. consumers conducted in late 2023. For example, two-thirds of physicians say patients would e confident in clinical decisions based on AI results, but only half of patients reported feeling that way. Additionally, only one out of five physicians report believing patients would be concerned about the use of AI in a diagnosis, whereas four out of five respondents to the consumer survey said they would be concerned.

The full report also reveals details about how AI guidance and policies differ among responding physicians’ organizations.