Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Among Pharmacists of Dakshina Kannada Towards Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

The swift advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked significant interest in its potential applications in the healthcare domain, particularly in pharmacy. Understanding the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of pharmacists towards AI is essential for its successful integration. This study sought to assess the KAP of pharmacists in Dakshina Kannada, India, concerning AI in pharmacy practice. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with 201 licensed pharmacists in Dakshina Kannada. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from structured questionnaires and qualitative insights from open-ended queries. The evaluation covered demographic information, AI awareness, attitudes, current practices, as well as perceived challenges and benefits. The survey showed that 89.6% of pharmacists were acquainted with AI in healthcare. Regarding AI understanding, 5% lacked comprehension, 19.9% had basic knowledge, 39.8% had intermediate understanding, and 35.3% exhibited advanced comprehension. Despite 79.6% expressing interest in AI training, significant barriers included concerns about infrastructure (24.9%), data privacy (29.9%), and costs (14.9%). Only 15% reported using AI tools currently, primarily due to limited expertise and technical obstacles. This study provides insights into the readiness of pharmacists in Dakshina Kannada towards AI integration in pharmacy practice. High awareness and interest in AI training were observed, but significant barriers such as infrastructure, data privacy, and costs need to be addressed. Tailored strategies are necessary to overcome these challenges and maximize the benefits of AI in enhancing pharmacy services.