The Fear of Artificial Intelligence among Healthcare Workers: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Introduction:

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has generated both opportunities and apprehensions among healthcare workers. While AI promises to enhance patient care and operational efficiency, it also raises concerns about job displacement, ethical dilemmas, and the depersonalization of care. This systematic review aims to synthesize evidence from interventional studies and clinical trials to understand the efficacy of various interventions in mitigating healthcare workers' fears of AI, thereby facilitating smoother integration of these technologies into clinical practice.

Methods:

The review focused on interventional studies and clinical trials conducted between 2007 and 2022, involving healthcare workers' perceptions and attitudes towards AI. Databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO were searched using terms related to AI, healthcare workers, and fear. Studies were included if they involved interventional approaches to address apprehensions about AI, reported risk ratios, and confidence intervals. The quality of included studies was assessed, and data on intervention effectiveness were extracted and analyzed.

Results:

Six studies met the inclusion criteria, demonstrating a range of interventions from educational programs to VR simulations. The effectiveness of these interventions varied, with educational programs showing up to a 50% increase in positive attitudes towards AI (risk ratio 1.5, 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9). AI decision-support systems in diagnostics showed a 75% effectiveness in increasing confidence levels (95% CI, 65% to 85%). Peer-led forums and VR experiences also significantly reduced AI-related fears, though to varying degrees.

Conclusions:

This review highlights that targeted interventions, particularly those offering practical exposure and comprehensive education about AI, can significantly reduce healthcare workers' fears. However, the effectiveness of these interventions underscores the importance of multifaceted approaches that combine ethical guidance with hands-on experience.