Exploring the matrix: knowledge, perceptions and prospects of artificial intelligence and machine learning in Nigerian healthcare

Abstract

BackgroundArtificial intelligence technology can be applied in several aspects of healthcare delivery and its integration into the Nigerian healthcare value chain is expected to bring about new opportunities. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and perception of healthcare professionals in Nigeria regarding the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the health sector.MethodsA cross-sectional study was undertaken amongst healthcare professionals in Nigeria with the use of a questionnaire. Data were collected across the six geopolitical zones in the Country using a stratified multistage sampling method. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were undertaken for the data obtained.ResultsFemale participants (55.7%) were slightly higher in proportion compared to the male respondents (44.3%). Pharmacists accounted for 27.7% of the participants, and this was closely followed by medical doctors (24.5%) and nurses (19.3%). The majority of the respondents (57.2%) reported good knowledge regarding artificial intelligence and machine learning, about a third of the participants (32.2%) were of average knowledge, and 10.6% of the sample had poor knowledge. More than half of the respondents (57.8%) disagreed with the notion that the adoption of artificial intelligence in the Nigerian healthcare sector could result in job losses. Two-thirds of the participants (66.7%) were of the view that the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare will augment human intelligence. Three-quarters (77%) of the respondents agreed that the use of machine learning in Nigerian healthcare could facilitate efficient service delivery.ConclusionThis study provides novel insights regarding healthcare professionals' knowledge and perception with respect to the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in healthcare. The emergent findings from this study can guide government and policymakers in decision-making as regards deployment of artificial intelligence and machine learning for healthcare delivery.

Yemeni university students public perceptions toward the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare: A cross-sectional study

“…However, participants in our survey largely agreed that AI might assist patients by lowering treatment mistakes and doctors’ workload and giving doctors more time to emphasize patient care. This is similar to recent findings from Nigerian and German studies [16,15]. This acknowledgement of AI’s potential beneficial influence on healthcare delivery demonstrates that they perceive the worth of implementing AI technology.…”

“…The majority of respondents believe that doctors should have the final say in diagnosis and therapy, despite AI systems, raising questions about the role of AI in healthcare. This study’s results are not completely surprising as they fit with most past research on patient and general public opinions; human physicians are typically trusted and followed more than AI systems [15,16,18,19,12]. This may be due to the perception that doctors have a level of expertise and experience that AI systems cannot replicate.…”

“…The participants may have concerns about the reliability and accuracy of AI systems, worrying that a malfunction or an error in the algorithm could have severe consequences for patient outcomes. A common finding in many studies is that patients want physician supervision of AI and prefer a physician in a direct comparison [15,12,16,19]. A particularly striking example of the high respect and trust in the competence of physicians compared to AI tools is provided by the study of York and colleagues using the example of radiographic fracture identification.…”

“…Patients should also be involved in their healthcare journey, fostering shared decision-making processes and promoting patient empowerment. Collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, AI developers, and policymakers can help establish guidelines and ethical frameworks for patient involvement and data sharing [15,16,18].…”

“…This awareness is particularly significant considering the current global trend towards integrating AI into various aspects of healthcare [12]. This perception aligns with the growing impact of AI in healthcare, prompting individuals to acknowledge and adapt to the evolving landscape of the medical profession [12,15,16,19].…”