Patient Perceptions on Data Sharing and Applying Artificial Intelligence to Health Care Data: Cross-sectional Survey

Abstract

Background Considerable research is being conducted as to how artificial intelligence (AI) can be effectively applied to health care. However, for the successful implementation of AI, large amounts of health data are required for training and testing algorithms. As such, there is a need to understand the perspectives and viewpoints of patients regarding the use of their health data in AI research. Objective We surveyed a large sample of patients for identifying current awareness regarding health data research, and for obtaining their opinions and views on data sharing for AI research purposes, and on the use of AI technology on health care data. Methods A cross-sectional survey with patients was conducted at a large multisite teaching hospital in the United Kingdom. Data were collected on patient and public views about sharing health data for research and the use of AI on health data. Results A total of 408 participants completed the survey. The respondents had generally low levels of prior knowledge about AI. Most were comfortable with sharing health data with the National Health Service (NHS) (318/408, 77.9%) or universities (268/408, 65.7%), but far fewer with commercial organizations such as technology companies (108/408, 26.4%). The majority endorsed AI research on health care data (357/408, 87.4%) and health care imaging (353/408, 86.4%) in a university setting, provided that concerns about privacy, reidentification of anonymized health care data, and consent processes were addressed. Conclusions There were significant variations in the patient perceptions, levels of support, and understanding of health data research and AI. Greater public engagement levels and debates are necessary to ensure the acceptability of AI research and its successful integration into clinical practice in future.

Attitudes and perception of artificial intelligence in healthcare: A cross-sectional survey among patients

“…The big majority only knew ‘somehow’ what it meant or even less, which was in a similar range already shown for the German as well as other populations. 21 , 62…”

“…Aggarwal and colleagues examined perceptions of 408 participants from London regarding AI along with questions about data collection and data sharing for the purpose of medical AI research. 21 They found that while patients generally have little prior knowledge about AI, the majority perceives its usage as positive, trusts its use and believes that the benefits outweigh the risks. A common finding in many studies is that patients want physician supervision of AI and prefer a physician in a direct comparison.…”

Artificial intelligence in (gastrointestinal) healthcare: patients’ and physicians’ perspectives

“…AI-research has focused on studies investigating accuracy of AI-based systems, while there is a gap in knowledge on patients' and physicians' perspectives towards AI. Successful implementation of AI into routine clinical practice depends not only on technical challenges, but also on the public's trust and acceptance of AI 14 . Trust in AI is determined by the way people interact with the technology and dependent on the ease of use, reliability, transparency, explainability, security and privacy protection, and communication on the use of AI systems 13 .…”

“…The fast evolutions and developments in AI may result in an overflow of information, unmanageable for patients and physicians. This may paradoxically discourage further developments and implementation, emphasizing the importance of education and training 14,17 .…”

Australian general practitioner perceptions to sharing clinical data for secondary use: a mixed method approach

“…Although studies have been conducted to gauge patient [21][22][23][24] and researcher [25] sentiments on sharing clinical data, there is limited information on practitioner perception [26][27][28][29][30] to sharing patient information. Understanding practitioner perception is critical, as in most countries, practitioners are the custodians of their patient's data and have ultimate decision as to its use.…”