Pragmatic awareness of Artificial Intelligence among medical students: a coss-sectional survey

Background: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into medicine is revolutionizing both clinical practice and medical education. However, the knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of medical students towards AI remain underexplored. Objectives: To evaluate the knowledge attitudes and perceptions of medical students towards the integration of AI technologies in medical education, clinical practice, and healthcare decision-making. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students at Rehman Medical College (RMC) Peshawar, Pakistan. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing demographics, knowledge of AI, attitudes towards its use in medicine, and perceptions of its role in medical education and practice. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were applied to analyze the data. Results: Of 100 medical students, 85% were aged 18-25 years, with 60% females and 40% males. Only 10% had additional AI training, and 20% had attended AI-related talks (p=0.04). About 50% were competent in computer literacy, and 55% frequently used computer technology for learning (p=0.03). Regarding AI’s impact, 40% agreed it reduces medical errors (p=0.02), and 45% felt it facilitates physicians' access to information (p=0.01). However, 15% expressed concerns about AI damaging the physician-patient relationship (p=0.04). In AI in medicine, 92% had used AI applications, and 75% believed AI would positively transform medicine (p=0.02). While 40% feared job reductions in medical staff (p=0.05), 75% thought AI would improve patient care (p=0.04). For AI education, 85% supported its inclusion in the curriculum, with 50% favoring practical content (p=0.02) and case studies (p=0.01). 90% agreed AI education should be available to all medical staff (p=0.01). Conclusion: Medical students at Rehman Medical College showed a positive attitude towards AI’s potential to improve healthcare. However, there is a clear demand for more focused AI education, including practical applications and case studies.