Latest Danube Private University research

Latest Danube Private University research: Shaping Future Practices: Understanding Medical and Dental Students' Perception of Artificial Intelligence in Austria, Germany and Switzerland – an Online Survey

Univ.-Prof.in Dr. in Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi, Head of Health Service research (MIAAI) and Dr. Sebastian Fitzek, PhD

Researcher MIAAI

In your collaborative research with Univ.-Prof. in Dr. in Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi, you evaluated the perceptions of AI in healthcare among German-speaking medical and dental students. Could you share with us the key findings of this evaluation?

"In our comprehensive study, which included 409 valid responses from students in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland, we found significant variations in AI understanding across academic levels and gender. Remarkably, only about 18.2% of students had received formal AI training. Our findings showed a strong correlation (r=0.67) between tech-savviness and AI application familiarity. Moreover, students who were confident in obtaining reliable AI information also exhibited more favorable attitudes towards AI (correlation coefficient r=0.72). The average age of participants was 23.13 years, and the group comprised 49.63% men, 45.48% women, 2.93% non-binary individuals, and 1.96% unspecified. Qualitative data from the survey emphasized the students' desire for AI curricula that address biases and enhance human skills, indicating a gap in current educational offerings."

Were any noticeable differences visible between medical and dental students in terms of their perception and understanding of AI?

"Yes, there were noticeable differences between medical and dental students. Medical students generally showed a higher level of familiarity and comfort with AI applications compared to their dental counterparts. This suggests a divergence in the exposure to and understanding of AI in their respective curricula. The varying perceptions and familiarity levels underline the need for tailored AI education strategies, ensuring that both medical and dental students are equally prepared for the evolving landscape of AI in healthcare."

What are the next steps for your survey and research in understanding the perception of AI among medical and dental students?

"Our next research steps involve longitudinal follow-up surveys to track how students' perceptions of healthcare AI evolve over time as they progress through training. We also aim to correlate these attitudes with objective competence assessments before and after AI-focused educational interventions. The goal is to substantiate the call for formal AI instruction and delineate best practices for developing AI-ready clinicians."