Prepared Or Unprepared? Evaluating Healthcare Workforce Readiness for Clinical Adoption of Artificial Intelligence in Nigeria

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare systems worldwide, yet its successful clinical adoption depends critically on workforce readiness, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where infrastructural and training gaps persist. This cross-sectional study evaluated awareness, attitudes, preparedness, and barriers to AI adoption among 761 healthcare professionals across multiple disciplines and practice settings in Nigeria. Data were collected between December 2025 and March 2026 using a structured, validated questionnaire. Overall awareness of AI in healthcare was high (92.6%); however, objective knowledge and self-reported preparedness remained limited, with 40.9% reporting low or very low knowledge and only 63.0% feeling adequately prepared. Willingness to adopt AI was high: 92.5% expressed interest in training, and 78.7% supported inclusion of AI education in undergraduate curricula. Key barriers included lack of training (84.7%), poor infrastructure (71.1%), high cost of AI tools (61.0%), fear of job displacement (60.6%), ethical concerns (52.9%), and data privacy concerns (52.7%). Significant differences in preparedness were observed across geopolitical zones (chi-square (5) = 24.28, p<0.001), and awareness differed across professional groups (chi-square (6) = 68.38, p<0.001). Attitudes toward AI differed significantly across professional groups (F = 3.32, p = 0.003), with professionals who felt prepared demonstrating more positive attitudes (mean = 3.74) compared to those who did not (mean = 3.46). These findings reveal a critical disconnect between high awareness and actual readiness, underscoring the need for targeted training, infrastructure investment, and clear implementation frameworks to bridge the gap between AI technological potential and clinical reality in resource-constrained settings.