(MENAFN- The Peninsula)
Fazeena Saleem
|
The Peninsula
Doha: A recent study at the Primary health Care Corporation (PHCC) has shed light on the growing enthusiasm among family physicians for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into primary care settings.
This study, titled 'Perceptions of family physicians about applying AI in primary health care: case study from a premier healthcare organisation,' has highlighted AI's potential to significantly enhance healthcare task management and overall service delivery at PHCC.
As the AI continues to gain traction in healthcare settings globally, it emerges as a promising tool for transforming healthcare systems. It streamlines operational and business processes, thereby simplifying healthcare tasks for both family physicians and healthcare administrators alike.
The findings of the study by Dr. Muhammad Atif Waheed published on the PHCC website indicated that AI plays a pivotal role in augmenting the responsibilities of family physicians without replacing them.
It has proven beneficial across various facets of healthcare operations, including improving operational efficiency, optimising human resource management, and bolstering public health measures during pandemics.
The study, which involved a cross-sectional survey distributed among 724 practicing family physicians at PHCC, received 102 eligible responses. Among these respondents, 80 (78.4%) demonstrated awareness of AI, with no significant differences noted across gender and age groups.
The majority of respondents, comprising 72 (70.6%) men and primarily aged between 35 and 54 years (94, 92.2%), underscored AI's positive impact on healthcare practices at the PHCC.
Family physicians highlighted several key benefits of AI integration, noting improvements in clinical, administrative, and opportunistic healthcare management roles.
Importantly, AI was perceived as enhancing operational efficiency and human resource management without undermining crucial patient-physician relationships.
However, concerns were raised about its potential to decrease patient satisfaction and the ethical implications surrounding AI decision-making, accountability, data protection, and confidentiality.
The study has emphasised the necessity of carefully considering these ethical, privacy, and patient-centric concerns in the strategic integration of AI into healthcare systems.
The insights gleaned from this study provide valuable guidance for maintaining high-quality patient care while navigating the challenges posed by AI's transformative impact on healthcare delivery.
In conclusion,“This study indicated a positive perception among family physicians regarding AI integration into primary care settings.”
While AI presents significant opportunities for enhancing healthcare services at the PHCC, ensuring its ethical implementation remains paramount to realising its full potential in improving patient outcomes and operational efficiencies in healthcare settings.
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