Doctor Chatbot: investigating the use of artificial intelligence in medical education
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v8i19.2711Keywords:
Medical education, Artificial Intelligence, Generative Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Educational TechnologyAbstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been transforming medical education by expanding possibilities for learning, clinical reasoning, and access to information. This study investigated the use of AI among medical students at a private university in Brazil, analyzing frequency, purposes, level of knowledge, confidence, and perceptions regarding its formative impact. This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted through an online survey applied to 267 students from the first to the eighth semester. Statistical analyses were performed in Python (3.11.8), using Pearson’s chi-square and Spearman correlation tests. The results showed an almost universal adoption of AI tools (99.25%), with a predominance of chatbots, mainly used for interpreting clinical cases (27.7%), explaining technical terms (40.1%), and solving questions (22.1%). Despite the high frequency of use, only 23.9% reported detailed knowledge, while 71.9% declared basic knowledge, revealing a contrast between broad adoption and limited technical mastery. Most students reported moderate confidence in the responses (79.0%) and recognized the need for human supervision in clinical contexts (76.0%). Still, 98% perceived improved learning, especially in understanding complex topics and performance in assessments, considering AI-assisted study more efficient than traditional methods (83.5%). The positive perception showed a direct correlation with confidence levels in the responses (ρ = 0.25; p<0.001). In conclusion, the AI use is widely disseminated among medical students and has a positive impact on learning, especially in the assimilation of complex content. However, the technical knowledge gap and partial confidence highlight the need to integrate this topic into medical curricula, integrating technical, ethical, and critical aspects. Including AI in medical training is essential to prepare future professionals to use these technologies safely, reflectively, and responsibly.
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