Artificial intelligence awareness and perceptions among pediatric orthopedic surgeons: A cross-sectional observational study.

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of computer science that allows machines to analyze large datasets, learn from patterns, and perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence and supervision. It is an emerging tool in pediatric orthopedic surgery, with various promising applications. An evaluation of the current awareness and perceptions among pediatric orthopedic surgeons is necessary to facilitate AI utilization and highlight possible areas of concern.

Aim: To assess the awareness and perceptions of AI among pediatric orthopedic surgeons.

Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a structured questionnaire designed using QuestionPro online survey software to collect quantitative and qualitative data. One hundred and twenty-eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons affiliated with two groups: Pediatric Orthopedic Chapter of Saudi Orthopedics Association and Middle East Pediatric Orthopedic Society in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries were surveyed.

Results: The pediatric orthopedic surgeons surveyed had a low level of familiarity with AI, with more than 60% of respondents rating themselves as being slightly familiar or not at all familiar. The most positively rated aspect of AI applications for pediatric orthopedic surgery was their ability to save time and enhance productivity, with 61.97% agreeing or strongly agreeing, and only 4.23% disagreeing or strongly disagreeing. Our participants also placed a high priority on patient privacy and data security, with over 90% rating them as quite important or highly important. Additional bivariate analyses suggested that physicians with a higher awareness of AI also have a more positive perception.

Conclusion: Our study highlights a lack of familiarity among pediatric orthopedic surgeons towards AI, and suggests a need for enhanced education and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe adoption of AI.