Survey of awareness and opinions of Russian healthcare managers on artificial intelligence

Abstract.

Aim. Healthcare is one of the priority sectors for the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The aim of the survey was to assess the awareness and collect opinions of Russian healthcare managers on AI technologies.

Materials and methods. An online survey was conducted in July-August 2022, using the Yandex.Forms service. The survey questionnaire consisted of 24 questions. An invitation to participate was sent to 1,105 Russian healthcare employees registered in the online community “Personnel platform for healthcare organizers”.

Results. 62 healthcare managers took part in the survey (5.6% response rate). Median age was 42.5 years and median work experience was 22 years. 63% (95% CI: 50%-75%) of responders considered themselves as AI-aware, 89% (95% CI: 78%-95%) saw the value of applying AI technologies in healthcare, while 73% (95% CI: 60%-83%) believed that AI would always be used to support healthcare decisions. Only 13% (95% CI 6%-24%) of respondents reported using AI products in their organization. Main areas of AI use were clinical decision support (76%) and optimization of healthcare processes (71%). The most promising areas for the implementation of AI were optimization of managerial decisions (66%), automation of diagnosis (57%), medical care in remote areas (53%) and research in the field of biopharmaceuticals (52%). The biggest concerns about the use of AI were the lack of sufficient universality so that AI can be applied to any patient (52%), unsuitability for use in unexpected situations (44%), limited use in difficult situations (42%). In case of any legal problems arising in connection with the use of AI, doctors (42%) or heads of medical organizations (34%) were likely to be held responsible. Survey participants believed that companies developing AI systems (36%) or regulatory organizations (27%) should bear such responsibility.

Conclusions. Most of Russian healthcare managers are generally familiar with AI technologies and favor their implementation in domestic medicine, although the actual implementation of AI systems is still relatively rare. Thus, healthcare managers are potential supporters and customers for the implementation of AI products in their organizations