KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES OF PHYSICAL THERAPISTS AND MEDICAL OFFICERS REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN HEALTH CARE AND REHABILITATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, including the field of rehabilitation, where it supports clinical decision-making, enhances diagnostic precision, and automates therapeutic processes. As AI technologies such as machine learning and robotics gain traction in medical settings, understanding the perceptions and readiness of healthcare professionals is crucial. This study aims to assess the knowledge and attitudes of physical therapists (PTs) and medical officers (MOs) toward the integration of AI into rehabilitation practice.

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and readiness of physical therapists and medical officers toward artificial intelligence in rehabilitation, and to determine their willingness to adopt AI technologies in clinical practice.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered, web-based survey distributed via Google Forms. A total of 308 participants, including licensed physical therapists and medical officers across various clinical and academic settings, were recruited through convenience sampling. The survey consisted of 20 structured questions covering demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and ethical considerations regarding AI. Data were analyzed using SPSS, with descriptive and inferential statistics applied to assess associations between variables.

Results: The mean age of participants was 30.04 ± 4.77 years (range: 23–47). Of the 308 respondents, 176 (57.1%) were female and 132 (42.9%) were male. A majority, 215 (69.9%), reported moderate knowledge of AI, while 32 (10.4%) indicated no awareness. Participants with less than 10 years of experience (193; 62.7%) were significantly more inclined to believe AI would impact their clinical roles. Moreover, 145 (47.1%) strongly supported integrating AI into medical practice, and 221 (71.9%) favored including AI education in curricula.

Conclusion: The study reveals a generally positive attitude and moderate knowledge about AI among physical therapists and medical officers. These findings highlight the need to enhance AI education and training, particularly for experienced practitioners and those in academic roles, to facilitate the effective integration of AI into rehabilitation practice.