Determining medical students' anxiety and readiness levels about artificial intelligence

Abstract

The aim of this study is to determine the levels of anxiety and readiness among medical students regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and examine the relationship between these factors. The research was conducted on medical students, and the data was collected through face-to-face and online surveys between April and June 2022. The study utilized a socio-demographic information form, an AI anxiety scale, and a medical AI readiness scale. The data collected from a total of 542 students were analyzed using the Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used for reliability analysis. A path diagram was created using AMOS 24, and structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was applied. The findings of the study indicate that medical students have a moderate level of readiness and a high level of anxiety regarding AI. Furthermore, an inverse relationship was found between AI readiness and AI anxiety. These results highlight the importance of increasing the preparedness of medical students for AI applications and reducing their anxieties. The study suggests the inclusion of AI in the medical curriculum and the development of a standardized curriculum to facilitate its teaching.