Healthcare providers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward integrating evidence-based practice and artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Integrating evidence-based practice (EBP) with artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance healthcare quality, clinical decision-making, and system efficiency. Understanding healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward this integration is essential to inform education and implementation strategies. This study aimed to evaluate healthcare providers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the integration of EBP and AI in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October and December 2025 among licensed healthcare providers working in governmental and private institutions across Saudi Arabia. Data was collected using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 503 healthcare professionals participated. Overall mean scores indicated moderate knowledge of AI and EBP (mean = 2.45 ± 0.72), generally positive attitudes (mean = 2.46 ± 0.69), and lower levels of practice (mean = 2.22 ± 0.75). Knowledge was significantly associated with professional role (p = 0.009), years of experience (p = 0.014), institution type (p = 0.003), and academic qualification (p < 0.001). Practice was significantly associated with years of experience (p = 0.001) and educational qualification (p = 0.027), while attitudes differed significantly only by age group (p = 0.012). Significant positive correlations were observed among KAP domains (r = 0.37-0.45, p < 0.001), with practice showing the strongest association with the overall KAP score (r = 0.90). CONCLUSION: Healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia demonstrate moderate knowledge and positive attitudes toward integrating AI and EBP; however, practical application remains limited. Targeted training and institutional support are needed to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice and promote effective integration into routine healthcare delivery.