Patient perceptions of artificial intelligence integration in dermatology: a cross-sectional study of trust, comfort and equity across multiple care modalities

Patients strongly prefer AI as clinical support systems rather than autonomous decision-makers, especially for high-stakes and sensitive concerns. Differences in acceptance by race and skin tone point to the need for better representation in datasets and clearer communication about how these tools perform. Moving forward, development and implementation should emphasize clinician and patient involvement, fairness and patient choice to ensure AI is integrated into dermatology in a way that earns patient trust.