Exploring Knowledge, Perceptions, and Preparedness for Artificial Intelligence among Health Informatics Students at the University of Hail: Qualitative Study
: This qualitative study explores the knowledge, perceptions, and preparedness of health informatics students at the University of Hail regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 undergraduate students, the research identifies widespread familiarity and generally positive attitudes toward AI tools such as ChatGPT and Google Gemini. Participants recognize AI as a supportive technology that enhances decision-making and precision medicine while emphasizing the continued importance of human oversight. Despite readiness to engage with AI, significant gaps exist in curriculum design, particularly the lack of practical, simulation-based training and ethical education. The study highlights challenges, including limited specialized courses, technical barriers, and ethical concerns, and presents student-driven recommendations for curriculum reform focused on experiential learning and tiered competency development. These findings contribute empirical evidence to the limited literature on AI preparedness in health informatics education and underscore the need for targeted educational reforms to equip future professionals to integrate AI responsibly and effectively in healthcare.