Perceived Trust and Professional Identity Threat in AI-Based Clinical Decision Support Systems: Scenario-Based Experimental Study on AI Process Design Features

Our research highlights the role of process design features of AI systems used in medicine in shaping professional identity perceptions, mediated through increased trust in AI. An explainable AI-based CDSS and an AI-generated system advice, which is deeply integrated into the clinical workflow, reinforce trust, thereby mitigating perceived professional identity threats. However, explainable AI and individual accountability of the system directly exacerbate threat perceptions. Our findings illustrate the complex nature of the behavioral patterns of AI in health care and have broader implications for supporting the implementation of AI-based CDSSs in a context where AI systems may impact professional identity.