The intersection of artificial intelligence and evidence-based medicine: Perceptions and utilization among pharmacy students and faculty

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a scientific method of producing human-like information and facts from machines. These technologies are integrated into nearly all professions, including the field of pharmacy. AI can assist a pharmacist's practice with a multitude of tasks such as identification of drug related problems, error reduction, medication therapy management, etc. While many automated areas may benefit from AI, little is known about the intersection of AI and evidence-based medicine (EBM) practices among pharmacists. EBM is an important, and necessary skill implemented among practicing pharmacists; it is described by the National Institute of Health (2022) as a “scientific method to organize and apply current data to improve healthcare decisions.” Currently, little is known regarding perceptions of AI among those in pharmacy as it relates to clinical decision-making, communication, and evidence-based approaches to patient care. The objectives of this study are to survey pharmacy students and faculty about their views and utilization of AI, as well as their perceptions of AI as it relates to EBM, to gain a foundational understanding about the intersection of AI and EBM in pharmacy practice.