# A quantitative study of pathologists’ perceptions towards artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system

## TL;DR

This study examines how pathologists feel about AI-assisted diagnostic systems, finding that most support their use but have concerns about accuracy.

## Contribution

The study identifies key factors influencing pathologists' willingness to adopt AI-assisted diagnostic systems.

## Key findings

- Most pathologists support AIADS use in clinical diagnostics, citing improved speed and reduced workload.
- Pathologists who used AIADS had higher knowledge, more positive attitudes, and stronger behavioral intention.
- Improving diagnostic accuracy and user experience is crucial for broader AIADS adoption.

## Abstract

The successful implementation of artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic system (AIADS) in pathology relies not only on the maturity of AI technology but also on pathologists’ cognition and acceptance of AI. However, research on pathologists’ perceptions towards AIADS is limited. This study aims to explore pathologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward AIADS and identify key factors influencing their willingness to use it, providing insights for the effective integration of AI technology in pathology. An online, nationwide, cross-sectional survey is to investigate pathologists’ knowledge, attitudes and behavioral intention/practice regarding AIADS with a 5-point Likert scale. Descriptive analysis is used to present the results, while logistic regression examines factors influencing AIADS adoption. The mediating effect of attitude in the association between knowledge and behavioral intention is also explored. A total of 224 pathologists were surveyed, with 85 (37.9%) having used AIADS and 139 (62.1%) not using it. The mean scores for knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention were 3.42 ± 0.97, 3.48 ± 0.44, and 3.47 ± 0.44, respectively. Pathologists who had used AIADS scored higher in knowledge, attitude, and behavioral intention, with clearer attitudes toward AIADS. Over 80% of pathologists supported the use of AIADS in clinical diagnostics, citing improved diagnostic speed and reduced workload as key reasons. The main concerns about AIADS were its diagnostic accuracy. Logistic regression analysis indicated that a greater likelihood of willingness to use AIADS was associated with not having used it before (OR=2.462, 95%CI 1.087-5.573), as well as with higher knowledge scores (OR=1.140, 95%CI 1.076-1.208) and more positive attitude scores (OR=1.119, 95%CI 1.053-1.189). Mediation analysis indicated an indirect path from knowledge to behavioral intention through attitude among individuals who have used AIADS, with the mediation effect accounting for 59.4%. In conclusion, most pathologists support the use of AIADS in clinical practice, but improvements in diagnostic performance are necessary. Enhancing pathologists’ knowledge, attitudes, and user experience is crucial for the broader adoption of AIADS.

This study explores pathologists’ perceptions of artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostic systems (AIADS), focusing on their knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intention/practice towards AI technology in pathology. By conducting a nationwide survey, we aimed to identify factors influencing their willingness to adopt AIADS. The findings revealed that while a majority of pathologists supported AIADS, with many highlighting its potential to improve diagnostic speed and reduce workload, concerns about diagnostic accuracy persisted. Pathologists who had used AIADS generally displayed higher levels of knowledge, more positive attitudes, and a stronger willingness to use it. The study also showed that pathologists’ willingness to use AIADS was associated with their prior usage experience, knowledge, and attitudes toward AIADS. This research offers valuable insights into the factors that influence AI integration in pathology and emphasizes the need for improved education and user experience to enhance its adoption in clinical practice.