HEALTHCARE WORKERS’ PERSPECTIVES ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

This study examines primary healthcare workers’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on perceived benefits, readiness, organizational support, ethical concerns, and practical experience in daily work. A cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted in March–June 2024 across 43 primary healthcare institutions (n = 678). The data was collected using a structured 32-item questionnaire rated on a five-point Likert scale. Exploratory factor analysis confirmed a six-factor model explaining 71.2% of total variance (perceived AI benefits, threat to professional autonomy, personal readiness, organizational support and training, ethical concerns, and practical experience). Overall attitudes toward AI were positive, with high perceived benefits (M = 4.12, SD = 0.61) and personal readiness (M = 3.98, SD = 0.55), while practical experience remained limited (M = 2.87, SD = 0.72). Significant differences were identified by age, professional role, and years of experience (p < 0.05): younger and less experienced staff reported greater readiness, whereas older and more experienced professionals expressed stronger autonomy- and ethics-related concerns. Organizational support was positively associated with AI acceptance, highlighting the need for targeted training and clear ethical accountability to translate readiness into implementation.