PATIENTS’ PERCEPTION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE OF DERMATOLOGY

Abstract

This study aimed to explore patients' perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) being used in clinical dermatology practice. Background Skin diseases are prevalent globally, affecting nearly 2 billion individuals. Dermatology has embraced AI for tasks like identifying skin lesions and improving clinical decision-making. However, patient acceptance of AI in clinical settings depends on their attitudes and perceptions. Method This cross-sectional study recruited 368 participants aged 18-45 years with non-cancerous skin diseases at outpatient dermatology setups in Karachi, Pakistan. A structured questionnaire assessed demographics and perceptions towards AI in dermatology on a Likert scale. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and composite perception scores. Result The median age was 27 years, with a majority being female (81.5%). Most participants (47%) were illiterate and housewives (57.6%). Overall, 52.7% had a positive perception of AI in dermatology. Patients believed AI could improve diagnostic accuracy (77.7%) and expedite treatment processes (79.6%). Interestingly, opinions were divided regarding trusting AI over human dermatologists (43.8% neutral) and AI replacing dermatologists (49.2% neutral). Data privacy concerns also remained neutral for 45.4% of participants. Notably, 45.4% disagreed with AI in medicine causing fear. Conclusion Patients showed a slight positive view of AI in dermatology, but many lacked understandings of its workings. Trust in AI diagnoses was conditional on exceeding dermatologist accuracy. Patients preferred AI to collaborate with, not replace, dermatologists. The study highlights the need for patient education to improve comfort levels with AI in dermatology.