Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding artificial intelligence in histopathology: A cross-sectional study among oral pathologists in India

Abstract

Introduction: The era of artificial intelligence (AI) has dawned, and its influence on different aspects of our lives is now tremendously evident. The introduction of whole slide imaging in digital pathology has changed the face of histopathology (HP) and is in the process of paving a smooth platform towards the far-reaching telepathology. Aim: The present study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of Oral Pathologists (OPs) in India regarding the incorporation of AI in diagnostic HP. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among OPs across India. A structured online questionnaire comprising 27 questions was sent to each participant through email and social media platforms and responses were collected and analyzed. The relationship between demographic variables and good KAP was analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Results and Discussion: One hundred and seventy-one OPs participated in the study, with 8.8% having good knowledge, 70.2% having a positive attitude, and only 4.1% using AI in diagnostic HP. Knowledge regarding AI in pathology increased in a statistically significant way (P = 0.001) with respect to years of experience. 43.9% of OPs expect AI to be integrated into HP in India over the next ten years. Conclusion: OPs in India have a positive attitude towards the incorporation of AI in their pathology practice. Vital measures to enable the integration of AI into diagnostic HP and to improve its awareness are an absolute requisite in our scenario.