Background and aims: In recent years, the number of clinical studies evaluating artificial intelligence (AI) systems in endoscopy has increased. Authorities encourage integration of patients’ thoughts in development of innovative medical interventions to allow their patient-friendly implementation. However, little is known about patient perception regarding AI in endoscopy.
Methods: A prospective questionnaire study was conducted as part of the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) AI committee activities. The committee developed 13 statements on the use of AI in endoscopy which were distributed to patients using a dedicated online survey platform. To avoid potential selection bias, the questionnaires were distributed equally to each of the six continents in the World. Patients responded to each of the statements by using a 5-point Likert-scale, ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5).
Results: In total, 1,237 patients completed the survey (>200 per continent). The majority of patients believed that humans and AI can complement each other (74.3% agreed) and would support its use (75.5% agreed). However, fewer patients believed that an AI system could be better than experienced endoscopists (38.2% agreed) and endoscopists should remain responsible for decision making (92.3% agreed). The majority of patients believed that endoscopists or hospitals should be liable for medical malpractice induced by the use of AI (76.9% agreed).
Conclusions: This large-scale international survey performed by the WEO AI committee revealed an obvious trend that patients appreciated benefit of using AI in endoscopy but did not blindly rely on the technology, leaving endoscopists and hospitals responsible for decision making and liability issues.

Honggang Yu

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