Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Use in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study with Providers and Staff of Ontario Community Health Centres

Danielle M Nash; Cathy Thorpe; Judith Belle Brown; Jacqueline K Kueper; Jennifer Rayner; Daniel J Lizotte; Amanda L Terry; Merrick Zwarenstein

doi:10.3122/jabfm.2022.220177R2

Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Use in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study with Providers and Staff of Ontario Community Health Centres

J Am Board Fam Med. 2023 Apr 3;36(2):221-228. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220177R2. Epub 2023 Mar 22.

Authors

Danielle M Nash¹, Cathy Thorpe², Judith Belle Brown², Jacqueline K Kueper², Jennifer Rayner², Daniel J Lizotte², Amanda L Terry², Merrick Zwarenstein²

Affiliations

¹ From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (DMN, DJL, ALT, MZ); ICES, Ontario, Canada (DMN, MZ); Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (DMN, CT, JBB, JR, ALT, MZ); Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (JKK, DJL); Department of Research and Evaluation, Alliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (JR); Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (ALT). Danielle.nash@ices.on.ca.
² From the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (DMN, DJL, ALT, MZ); ICES, Ontario, Canada (DMN, MZ); Centre for Studies in Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (DMN, CT, JBB, JR, ALT, MZ); Department of Computer Science, Faculty of Science, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (JKK, DJL); Department of Research and Evaluation, Alliance for Healthier Communities, Toronto, Ontario, Canada (JR); Schulich Interfaculty Program in Public Health, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada (ALT).

PMID: 36948536
DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2022.220177R2

Abstract

Purpose: To understand staff and health care providers' views on potential use of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven tools to help care for patients within a primary care setting.

Methods: We conducted a qualitative descriptive study using individual semistructured interviews. As part of province-wide Learning Health Organization, Community Health Centres (CHCs) are a community-governed, team-based delivery model providing primary care for people who experience marginalization in Ontario, Canada. CHC health care providers and staff were invited to participate. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We performed a thematic analysis using a team approach.

Results: We interviewed 27 participants across 6 CHCs. Participants lacked in-depth knowledge about AI. Trust was essential to acceptance of AI; people need to be receptive to using AI and feel confident that the information is accurate. We identified internal influences of AI acceptance, including ease of use and complementing clinical judgment rather than replacing it. External influences included privacy, liability, and financial considerations. Participants felt AI could improve patient care and help prevent burnout for providers; however, there were concerns about the impact on the patient-provider relationship.

Conclusions: The information gained in this study can be used for future research, development, and integration of AI technology.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence; Canada; Family Medicine; Informatics; Qualitative Research.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Artificial Intelligence*
Community Health Centers*
Humans
Ontario
Primary Health Care
Qualitative Research

Grants and funding

CIHR/Canada