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Dive Brief:

• Physicians are rapidly implementing artificial intelligence tools in their practice, but they’re still concerned about the technology’s accuracy, according to a survey published Tuesday by Doximity. 
• Ninety-four percent of doctors said they had already adopted AI tools or are interested in doing so, according to the survey by the medical professional network and technology firm. More than half reported using AI in their practice, and just 5% said they weren’t interested in using the technology.
• Still, more than 70% cited accuracy and reliability as a top barrier to AI adoption, and nearly half pointed to legal and regulatory uncertainty. 

Dive Insight: 

Over the past three years, AI has become the healthcare sector’s most exciting technology trend, igniting hopes it could alleviate workforce shortages, lessen administrative burden and help patients navigate the complex healthcare system. 

Nearly 70% of physicians in Doximity’s survey said a lighter administrative workload excited them most about AI, and 67% said the technology could improve work-life balance.

And more than 40% said they were excited that AI could allow them to spend more time with patients, according to the report, which surveyed over 3,000 physicians during two study periods early this year and last year.  

The technology is already demonstrating some benefits for users, the survey found. Three-quarters of physicians who had already adopted AI reported reduced administrative burden and better job satisfaction. And nearly half said they had improved capacity to take on new patients as a result of AI use. 

Adoption of the technology is accelerating quickly too. During the study’s first survey period in March and April last year, 47% reported using AI in their practice. By the second survey from November through January, 63% said they’d implemented the technology in their work. 

The most common use case for AI was literature search — looking up recent research to aid in care delivery and decision making — followed by scribing tools that record conversations with patients and draft clinical documentation. 

Still, physicians reported several challenges to effectively rolling out AI tools. About half of doctors surveyed said the AI decision-making process at their organizations is “still evolving.” Only 8% said the process is clear and they understand AI policies and guidelines.