Attitudes and Awareness of Medical Students Towards Teleradiology and the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Radiology.

Abstract Rationale and Objectives: Teleradiology and artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as important tools for facilitating healthcare workers in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. They can also be used in the analysis of X-ray images, MRIs, and CT scans. This study delves into the perceptions of medical students at Imam Abdulrahman University (IAU) regarding the role of AI and teleradiology. The findings also shed light on the opinions of medical students at the IAU on the potential augmentation and replacement of radiologists with AI. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data were collected from medical students at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Eastern region, Saudi Arabia. An online self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data during August 2023. Medical students’ opinions were assessed using the Chi-square test. Results: The study concluded that 65.2% of the respondents thought radiologists should embrace AI. Moreover, 56.1% agreed that the AI would augment the radiologist's capability and efficiency. However, 46.2% believed that teleradiology could replace radiologists working at the hospital, and 42.5% agreed that the impact of AI alone would reduce the number of radiologists needed in the field. Conclusion: Medical students expressed different opinions in the role of AI in augmenting or replacing radiologists. For teleradiology, the results were promising as students showed interest and optimistic views. Understanding and addressing these perceptions from our future physicians is crucial for developing a strong radiology workforce capable of navigating the transformative journey of a more technological healthcare environment.