Perception of the Impact of Artificial Intelligence in the Decision-Making Processes of Public Healthcare Professionals

Abstract

Technologies are increasingly independent and play important roles in society. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a branch of science that can improve various environments and processes. The health sector stands out among these contexts, especially ophthalmology and dentistry. Studies evaluating the impact of using these technologies in these contexts are still developing. There are still few studies that assess how AI can impact the decision-making process of health professionals and how it can improve the quality of care provided to these professionals. In this sense, this study aims to evaluate the perception of the impact of AI on the decision-making process of health professionals and the quality of patient care from the perspective of ophthalmologists and dentists. The methodological strategy used was the application of an online questionnaire with eighteen professionals in these areas. Based on the respondents' opinions, we sought to assess how these decision-making processes are affected by the use of technologies and how they impact the quality of patient care. As a result, it was observed that AI has become essential and a facilitator of the diagnostic processes. However, it presents some challenges related to cost, accessibility, AI x professional responsibility, and incentive of agreements.