Levels of Awareness, Readiness, and Anxiety of Physiotherapists Related to Artificial Intelligence

Authors : Cemile Bozdemir Özel, Hazal Yakut Ozdemir

Pages : 171-180

View : 59 | Download : 52

Publication Date : 2024-01-31

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background and Purpose: This study aimed to examine the level of awareness of physiotherapists about artificial intelligence (AI), readiness, anxiety level related to AI and barriers to AI use. Method: 413 physiotherapists participated in an online and cross-sectional study. A custom-designed survey that focussed on the levels of knowledge, readiness, and anxiety of physiotherapists related to AI and factors limiting AI use. Results: 61% of physiotherapists had knowledge of AI in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Mobile-based applications were reported as the most preferred approach among AI-based applications, while the cost of AI-based technological therapy applications was stated as the factor most limiting use of AI-based technological therapy applications in rehabilitation. Total score of Medical Artificial Intelligence Readiness Scale was calculated as 74.19±14.25, and total score of the Artificial Intelligence Anxiety Scale was 50.72 ±22.76. The level of readiness was lower among those with a bachelor\'s degree level of education compared to those with postgraduate degrees (p<0.05). Conclusion: Physiotherapists have low levels of AI-related anxiety and a high degree of readiness. Physiotherapists were seen to have a positive attitude and willingness to use AI-based applications in practice. Nevertheless, the level of readiness could be increased by including AI-based applications in the undergraduate curriculum.
Keywords : Physical Therapist, Artificial intelligence, Perceptions, Readiness