Artificial Intelligence and Patient Autonomy in Obesity Treatment Decisions: An Empirical Study of the Challenges
Turki M Alanzi, Ahlam Alhajri, Sara Almulhim, Sara Alharbi, Samya Alfaifi, Eslam Almarhoun, Raghad Mulla, Zainab O Alasafra, Zainab Alalwan, Fatima Alnasser, Fatima Almukhtar, Fatemah Al Ghadeer, Sara Amro, Ibrahim Alodhayb, Nouf Alanzi
Abstract
Background This study aims to explore the factors associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and patient autonomy in obesity treatment decision-making. Methodology A cross-sectional, online, descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The survey instrument incorporated the Ideal Patient Autonomy Scale (IPAS) and other factors affecting patient autonomy in the AI-patient relationship. The study participants included 74 physicians, 55 dieticians, and 273 obese patients. Results Different views were expressed in the scales AI knows the best (μ = 2.95-3.15) and the patient should decide (μ = 2.95-3.16). Ethical concerns (μ = 3.24) and perceived privacy risks (μ = 3.58) were identified as having a more negative influence on patient autonomy compared to personal innovativeness (μ = 2.41) and trust (μ = 2.85). Physicians and dieticians expressed significantly higher trust in AI compared to patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions Patient autonomy in the AI-patient relationship is significantly affected by privacy, trust, and ethical issues. As trust is a multifaceted factor and AI is a novel technology in healthcare, it is essential to fully explore the various factors influencing trust and patient autonomy.