Medical Students’ and Radiology Technologists’ Perspectives on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Radiology in the Hail Region, Saudi Arabia
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is currently driving diagnostic radiology towards a new era, but there is no evidence about the knowledge, attitudes and preparedness levels of healthcare trainees and radiology professionals in Northern Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using questionnaires administered to medical students, radiology technology students, radiology technologists and radiologists in Hail and the corresponding Northern Saudi institutions. A validated 27-item questionnaire was used to evaluate AI knowledge, awareness of imaging use in healthcare, attitudes, educational needs and readiness to use AI. SPSS version 29.0 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square test and One-way ANOVA were used and the p-level was set at <5% for statistical significance. Results: Moderate-to-high overall AI knowledge was observed in 55.1% of participants, while 61.7% demonstrated moderate-to-high knowledge of AI applications in medical imaging. 46.2% of the respondents indicated prior AI-related training. Neither the benefits of using AI in radiology nor its role in advancing medicine were lost on most participants, though there was a general concern about the ethical implications, as well as the impact on the workforce. About 45.7-46.1% said that advancement in AI decreased their interest in pursuing a career in radiology. Overall, the level of readiness for the use of AI was moderate to high in 58.6%. Conclusion: Participants demonstrated moderate AI knowledge and readiness, but significant educational gaps and career-related concerns persist. Incorporation of structured AI education into medical and radiology curricula is necessary for making informed career choices, fostering ethical understanding and for safe clinical use of AI.