Perceptions of Surgeons in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Regarding the Use of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Artificil intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing healthcare by seamlessly integrating into various aspects of human life. From robotic surgery to virtual nursing assistants and image analysis applications, AI is transforming the way we approach and deliver healthcare. By leveraging AI, patients can gain a deeper understanding of their symptoms, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health and ultimately improving their quality of life. Methods: An online survey collected data from social media platforms regarding the surgeon society in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. All statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York). RESULTS: A total of 316 surgeons responded to the survey. A significant majority believed that using artificial intelligence benefits patients, and a substantial number advocated for its avoidance as a matter of principle. More than half said that AI would always impact education, and half of the participants said that AI would always affect complication prediction. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study investigating surgeon attitudes and perceptions regarding the use of AI in the Kurdistan region. The surgeons who responded generally appreciated AI's use in their practice. Notably, general surgeons showed greater openness to integrating AI into their daily practices compared to those in other surgical specialties.