The AI doctor will see you now: public perspectives on artificial intelligence in healthcare

Abstract Objectives The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is a growing field of research and clinical application. The views of the general public, that is, current and future healthcare users, need to be surveyed and interpreted so that researchers and the public have a shared understanding of the appropriate use of AI. Currently, there are only limited data on the public’s views. The aim of this study is to understand the public’s perspective on the use of AI in healthcare. Methods An anonymous, quantitative questionnaire was administered as part of a public exhibition on AI. The questionnaire contained 8 questions based on previously validated subject areas designed to assess respondents’ views on the use of AI in healthcare. Brief demographic data were also collected. Results The population surveyed was more diverse and younger than the general UK population (64% White, 45% aged 18-29). Respondents were largely comfortable with the application of AI in healthcare: 80% felt posi