Assessing AI literacy and attitudes among medical students: implications for integration into healthcare practice

Purpose This study aims to assess AI literacy and attitudes among medical students and explore their implications for integrating AI into healthcare practice. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design was employed to comprehensively evaluate AI literacy and attitudes among 374 Lusaka Apex Medical University medical students. Data were collected from April 3, 2024, to April 30, 2024, using a closed-ended questionnaire. The questionnaire covered various aspects of AI literacy, perceived benefits of AI in healthcare, strategies for staying informed about AI, relevant AI applications for future practice, concerns related to AI algorithm training and AI-based chatbots in healthcare. Findings The study revealed varying levels of AI literacy among medical students with a basic understanding of AI principles. Perceptions regarding AI’s role in healthcare varied, with recognition of key benefits such as improved diagnosis accuracy and enhanced treatment planning. Students relied predominantly on online resources to stay informed about AI. Concerns included bias reinforcement, data privacy and over-reliance on technology. Originality/value This study contributes original insights into medical students' AI literacy and attitudes, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and ethical considerations in AI integration within medical education and practice.