Artificial intelligence awareness, usage, and readiness among fellows of the West African college of physicians
TL;DR
Efforts to integrate AI into medical education and practice should be led by the WACP through AI policy development and implementation to bridge the AI gap and prepare physicians for digital healthcare.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare globally, but its adoption remains limited in low- and middle-income countries, such as those in West Africa. Physician educators are central to AI uptake, making their awareness and readiness crucial. This study assessed AI awareness, usage, and readiness among physicians at the West African College of Physicians and provides a roadmap for institutional digital transformation in the region. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 143 trainers who were recruited during a workshop at the organisation’s annual meeting. Data were collected using a structured self-administered Google Forms questionnaire with multiple-choice and Likert-scale questions that assessed awareness, usage, challenges, and factors associated with the frequency of AI usage. The data were analysed using SPSS version 27. The response rate was 55%, and most participants practised medicine in northern Nigeria (50.5%). While 75% reported some familiarity with AI concepts, only 9.8% were very familiar. About 36% were aware of AI tools for medical education, with ChatGPT being the most recognized. Frequent AI use was observed in 19%, mainly for research, with (55%) using it in their roles as educators. Only 35% had access to AI tools, and 23% had received training on AI. Although 98% believed that AI could improve medical education, and 90% supported its integration, nearly all (99%) preferred AI as a supplement rather than a replacement. Key barriers and concerns to adoption and access were lack of training (63.4%), unavailability of tools (51.7%), poor internet connectivity (51%), and ethical concerns. Frequent AI use was independently associated with having additional MSc or PhD qualifications (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 1.28–10.96, P = 0.016), and AI training attendance. (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 1.01–7.72, P = 0.048). Despite strong interest and perceived value, AI adoption among WACP fellows and instructors is low due to limited training and access. Efforts to integrate AI into medical education and practice should be led by the WACP through AI policy development and implementation to bridge the AI gap and prepare physicians for digital healthcare.