Readiness Towards Artificial Intelligence in Medical and Dental Students in Peshawar PDF

**Title:** **Readiness towards Artificial Intelligence among Undergraduate medical and dental students in Peshawar.** **Introduction:** Artificial intelligence is a machine that exhibits intelligent behavior, including observation, reasoning, learning, communication, and the capability to execute...

**Title:** **Readiness towards Artificial Intelligence among Undergraduate medical and dental students in Peshawar.** **Introduction:** Artificial intelligence is a machine that exhibits intelligent behavior, including observation, reasoning, learning, communication, and the capability to execute jobs often done by humans.(Nilsson, 1998) It is a significant scientific breakthrough that is transforming the current global landscape.(Cope et al., 2021; Makridakis, 2017)AI is a diverse discipline encompassing various academic domains, including statistics, decision theory, logic, linguistics, cognitive psychology, cybernetics, neuroscience, and computer engineering. It refers to the science of creating Intelligent computers(McCarthy, 2007) that can learn and solve problems using many modalities, such as machine learning, neural networks, and natural language processing(Zawacki-Richter et al., 2019). Over the past two decades, there has been a remarkable global advancement in medical research and technology.(Stearns & Ebert, 2001) The medical domain is in line with a significant revolution driven by breakthroughs in Artificial intelligence. This technology can revolutionize healthcare delivery in all areas, including medical imaging analysis, diagnostics, personalized treatment, and robotic surgery.(Jiang et al., 2017). It is also utilized in the dental profession for various purposes. These include detecting caries (tooth decay)(Lee et al., 2018), diagnosing oral cancer(Ariji et al., 2019), selecting a dental shade for the restoration(Wei et al., 2018), and diagnosing temporomandibular disorders(Bas et al., 2012). The extensive research and substantial financial investments in AI healthcare firms underscore the significance of AI in the healthcare industry. This indicates the anticipation of the introduction and widespread adoption of AI products in the healthcare system in the upcoming decades. Are medical professionals sufficiently knowledgeable to embrace these new technologies?(Kolachalama & Garg, 2018) This question needs to be addressed. Medical education in the 21st century should incorporate modern technologies and skills related to simulations, data collection fundamentals, analytical abilities, and the application of artificial intelligence.(Wartman & Donald Combs, 2018) Currently, there are a few studies (Lillehaug,Svein-Ivar & Lajoie,Susanne P., 1998)(Wartman & Donald Combs, 2018) that explore or review the existing uses of AI in medical education. The World Health Organization cautioned that healthcare workers must comprehensively understand how AI functions.(Guidance, 2021) (Aboalshamat et al., 2022). Therefore, AI plays a significant role in healthcare education.(Goh & Sandars, 2020)(Saghiri et al., 2022)The significance of AI should not be underestimated. Some studies indicate that inadequate execution of AI projects may result in inaccurate diagnoses that can adversely affect patients.(Wong et al., 2021)(Thompson et al., 2021). While numerous individuals utilize artificial intelligence in applications like voice and facial recognition, only a limited number possess knowledge about the underlying technology, concepts, and ethical dilemmas associated with AI(Ghallab, 2019)(Gardner-McCune et al., 2019). Achieving mastery in AI quickly becomes essential for successfully navigating the changing terrain in several fields, such as healthcare and education. This understanding enables individuals to comprehend not only the potential advantages of AI in fields such as personalized medicine (Jiang et al., 2017) and adaptive learning (Vu et al., 2021)(Sarfaraz et al., 2023) but also to assess potential hazards and guarantee responsible implementation. It is crucial to ascertain the expertise of medical professionals to determine their ability to embrace and utilize emerging technology effectively(Kolachalama & Garg, 2018). The lack of knowledge and doubt regarding AI may hinder its acceptance and potentially result in misapplication. Using AI in healthcare enhances operational efficiency and efficacy while reducing instances of medical negligence(Meskó et al., 2018). In the future, healthcare practitioners who understand artificial intelligence (AI) are anticipated to replace those who do not.(Ng et al., 2021) Several reviews and commentaries have examined the applications of artificial intelligence in medicine.(Pucchio et al., 2021)(Carin, 2020)(Miller, 2019). Only a few research publications have examined medical practitioners\' or students\' knowledge and attitudes about AI.(Pinto dos Santos et al., 2019)(Khafaji et al., 2022)(Qurashi et al., 2021)(Tajaldeen & Alghamdi, 2020). In a comprehensive survey(Boillat et al., 2022) conducted across multiple continents, it was found that both medical physicians and students had little knowledge and understanding of artificial intelligence. Multiple studies have examined the level of artificial intelligence knowledge and literacy among healthcare providers, including students and workers.(Sit et al., 2020)(Gong et al., 2019)(Pinto dos Santos et al., 2019) However, few have examined health professionals\' readiness for AI. The Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale (MAIRS) is a tool for assessing medical professionals\' readiness for AI.(Karaca et al., 2021). In-depth research on the instrument and readiness among dental and medical professionals has not been done. Research conducted in Nepal and Pakistan has revealed that students and faculty members generally have a limited understanding of AI and its various applications. However, they express willingness to include AI in the curriculum and acknowledge its significant potential to revolutionize the healthcare system.(Jha et al., 2022)(Abid et al., 2019)(Ahmed et al., 2022) **Purpose of the study** Developing nations like Pakistan continue to lag in AI research, education, and overall application in healthcare despite government initiatives promoting the technology.(Abid et al., 2019) An AI program has been introduced in Pakistan as part of the presidential initiative. However, several challenges exist in implementing AI in the health sector. These challenges include healthcare providers\' resistance to change, financial limitations, a shortage of trained health professionals to develop diagnostic protocols for AI algorithms, a lack of data on public perception and the impact of AI, concerns about replacing physicians, social barriers, issues of confidentiality, and legal implications.(Abid et al., 2019)(Guo & Li, 2018)(Chan & Zary, 2019) The purpose of this study is to determine the readiness of upcoming healthcare professionals for AI. Understanding their readiness is the only way to consider possible solutions for implementing this new technology into daily life. **Aim of the study** The readiness of undergraduate medical and dental students in Peshawar towards artificial intelligence is a topic of growing interest. To our knowledge, limited research studies have been conducted to assess the level of readiness for artificial intelligence among medical and dental students in Pakistan, specifically in Peshawar, using a validated methodology. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating students\' perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and skills regarding AI in Peshawar. **Objective of the study** Limited research explores the use of AI in the dental and medical industry. Nevertheless, no research studies have been conducted using a validated methodology to assess the level of readiness for artificial intelligence among medical and dental practitioners in Pakistan, specifically in Peshawar. The study objective is to evaluate the level of readiness for artificial intelligence among medical and dentistry professionals, particularly in Peshawar.