# Patient perspectives about deployment of artificial intelligence decision support tools in a safety-net healthcare system

## TL;DR

This study explores how patients in a safety-net healthcare system perceive the use of artificial intelligence in medical decision-making, finding that they support it but emphasize the need for transparency and clinician oversight.

## Contribution

This is one of the first studies to assess patient perspectives on clinical AI in a safety-net healthcare setting.

## Key findings

- 84% of patients were familiar with commercial AI, but fewer than half recognized its use in medical decision support.
- Greater AI awareness was associated with higher perceived benefit (all P < .001).
- Participants emphasized transparency (92%), clinician oversight (82%), and validation as critical to trust.

## Abstract

To assess patient awareness, trust, perceived benefits, and risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care within an urban safety-net health system.

We surveyed 313 patients from November 2024 to January 2025 regarding AI awareness, trust in AI-assisted decision-making, and preferences for transparency and oversight. Quantitative analyses assessed associations between AI awareness and perceived benefit; qualitative analysis identified themes influencing trust.

While 84% were familiar with commercial AI, fewer than half recognized the use of AI in medical decision support. Greater AI awareness was associated with higher perceived benefit (all P < .001). Participants emphasized transparency (92%), clinician oversight (82%), and validation as critical to trust.

This study provides one of the first assessments of patient perspectives on AI within a safety-net healthcare setting. Patients view clinical AI favorably but demand transparency and clinician involvement.

Patient education and engagement are essential for equitable, trustworthy AI deployment.