Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence in emergency and trauma surgery, the ARIES project: an international web-based survey

Abstract

Aim We aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practices in the application of AI in the emergency setting among international acute care and emergency surgeons. Methods An online questionnaire composed of 30 multiple choice and open-ended questions was sent to the members of the World Society of Emergency Surgery between 29th May and 28th August 2021. The questionnaire was developed by a panel of 11 international experts and approved by the WSES steering committee. Results 200 participants answered the survey, 32 were females (16%). 172 (86%) surgeons thought that AI will improve acute care surgery. Fifty surgeons (25%) were trained, robotic surgeons and can perform it. Only 19 (9.5%) were currently performing it. 126 (63%) surgeons do not have a robotic system in their institution, and for those who have it, it was mainly used for elective surgery. Only 100 surgeons (50%) were able to define different AI terminology. Participants thought that AI is useful to support training and education (61.5%), perioperative decision making (59.5%), and surgical vision (53%) in emergency surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between males and females in ability, interest in training or expectations of AI (p values 0.91, 0.82, and 0.28, respectively, Mann–Whitney U test). Ability was significantly correlated with interest and expectations (p < 0.0001 Pearson rank correlation, rho 0.42 and 0.47, respectively) but not with experience (p = 0.9, rho − 0.01). Conclusions The implementation of artificial intelligence in the emergency and trauma setting is still in an early phase. The support of emergency and trauma surgeons is essential for the progress of AI in their setting which can be augmented by proper research and training programs in this area.

Facilitators and Barriers of Artificial Intelligence Applications in Rehabilitation: A Mixed-Method Approach

“…In this study, only 5% of the total sample reported their hands-on familiarity with AI applications at work. This was consistent with previous research that found that less than 10% of surgeons currently use robotic surgery techniques in hospitals, and 60% of surgeons documented the absence of AI and robotic technologies in their clinical practices [ 14 ]. The results emphasize the urgency of accelerating AI adoption and acceptance through training courses and workshops among PTs.…”

“…The researchers started coding the data based on the pre-established codes and applied them to the data set. Codes were primarily derived from the literature [ 12 , 14 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ]. Seven themes were derived from the response of the PTs.…”

“…Given that focal changes could arise by implanting AI in medical practices, more research was conducted to investigate AI knowledge and attitudes of healthcare practitioners in various specialties [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. In acute care trauma and emergency surgeries, researchers stated that it is crucial to promote AI utilization among emergency surgeons by providing training courses, as 63% of surgeons have not used robotic systems in their clinical settings [ 14 ]. Another study investigated ophthalmologists’ perceptions regarding AI, and a positive opinion was reported among ophthalmologists.…”

Surgeons’ perspectives on artificial intelligence to support clinical decision-making in trauma and emergency contexts: results from an international survey

“…The recently published artificial intelligence in Emergency and Trauma Surgery (ARIES) survey, endorsed by the World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) evaluated the knowledge, attitude, and practices in the application of AI in the emergency setting among international acute care and emergency surgeons. The investigation revealed how the implementation of AI in the emergency and trauma setting is highly anticipated but still in an early phase, with trauma and emergency surgeons enthusiastic about being involved [ 13 ].…”

Artificial intelligence in surgery: the emergency surgeon’s perspective (the ARIES project)

“…The Artificial intelligence in Emergency and trauma Surgery (ARIES) project was conceived to increase research and availability of AI systems for emergency and trauma surgery [ 24 ].…”