Awareness & Preparedness for AI and Emerging Technologies in Healthcare- A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are increasingly becoming part of healthcare. Developing awareness and preparedness among future healthcare professionals is therefore important. However, information regarding AI awareness and educational needs among allied health students remains limited.
Objective: To assess awareness, knowledge, preparedness, perceptions, and educational needs regarding AI and emerging technologies among allied health students.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among undergraduate allied health students from different healthcare disciplines. Data were collected using a structured, researcher-developed 25-item questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, AI awareness, emerging technologies, preparedness, perceived benefits and concerns, training needs, and self-evaluation. The questionnaire was administered electronically through Google Forms after obtaining informed consent. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies and percentages.
Results: A total of 402 students participated, of whom 69.7% were physiotherapy students. Basic awareness of AI was reported by 58.7% of participants, while 15.4% reported detailed knowledge. Although 73.2% had heard of machine learning and deep learning, only 29.4% reported clear understanding of these concepts. Regarding curriculum exposure, 40.3% reported very minimal training and 14.9% reported that AI was not included in their curriculum. Despite these gaps, 84.1% expressed moderate-to-very-high willingness to learn AI-related skills, and 84.1% supported the integration of AI and emerging technologies into allied health education. Hands-on workshops were the most preferred learning format (40.3%).
Conclusion: Allied health students demonstrated basic-to-moderate awareness of AI but limited understanding of advanced AI concepts and insufficient curricular exposure. The findings support the need for structured and practical AI education within allied health curricula to improve students' preparedness for technology-driven healthcare.