Assessing Public Knowledge and Acceptance of Using Artificial Intelligence Doctors as a Partial Alternative to Human Doctors in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective To assess the public acceptance of using artificial intelligence (AI) doctors to diagnose and treat patients as a partial alternative to human physicians in Saudi Arabia. Methodology An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2024. A link to an online questionnaire was distributed through social media applications to citizens and residents aged 18 years and older across various regions in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was calculated using the Raosoft online survey size calculator, which estimated that the minimum sample size should be 385. Results Of the 386 participants surveyed, 85.8% reported being aware of AI, and 47.9% reported having some knowledge about different AI fields in daily life. However, almost one-third (32.9%) reported a lack of knowledge about the use of AI in healthcare. In terms of acceptance, 52.3% of respondents indicated they felt comfortable with the use of AI tools as partial alternatives to human doctors, and 30.8% believed AI is useful in the field of health. The most common concern (63.7%) about the use of AI tools accessible to patients was the difficulty of describing symptoms using these tools. Conclusion The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the public's knowledge and acceptance of AI in medicine within the Saudi Arabian context. Overall, this study underscores the importance of proactively addressing the public's concerns and knowledge gaps regarding AI in healthcare. By fostering greater understanding and acceptance, healthcare stakeholders can better harness the potential of AI to improve patient outcomes and enhance the efficiency of medical services in Saudi Arabia.