Exploring the public acceptance of the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare

Abstract Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being implemented into healthcare: however, successful implementation depends on public acceptance and trust. To foster responsible adoption, it is essential to understand how the public perceives AI in healthcare and to address their concerns with clear and relevant information. This study investigates perceptions of the public to determine predictors of AI acceptance in healthcare. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with 1,205 adults in the Netherlands to assess their acceptance of AI in healthcare. Participants were asked questions about general AI attitudes and literacy. Then were randomly assigned to a real-world healthcare AI scenario involving applications in newborn screening, preventive interventions through wearables, chatbots supporting doctor-patient communication, or augmentation of data for AI training in imaging. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance, we modeled predictors of acceptance, focusing on perceptions of AI effectiveness, enjoyment, concerns, and mood over the scenarios. Findings Acceptance was strongly and positively correlated with perceived effectiveness (r(1203) = .75, p < .001), enjoyment (r(1203) = .62, p < .001), and attitudes toward the specific AI use (r(797) = .80, p < .001). Regression analysis showed that the model significantly predicted acceptance, F(9, 789) = 246.70, p < .001, explaining 73.5% of the variance. Significant predictors were attitudes towards the AI use in the scenario, perceived effectiveness, enjoyment and positive and negative mood (ps < .05). Conclusions Public acceptance of AI in healthcare is driven by the perceptions of its effectiveness, enjoyment and the public mood. In developing communication strategies and AI design it is important to address emotional reactions and highlight AI's healthcare benefits. Enhancing AI literacy and targeting both emotional and cognitive factors are key to successful AI integration in healthcare. Key messages • Emotional responses towards AI, its perceived effectiveness and its enjoyment are key drivers of AI acceptance in healthcare. • Improving AI acceptance through effective communication, emotional engagement, and AI literacy can enhance the successful integration of AI tools in healthcare.