JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into healthcare systems worldwide, with growing implications for pharmacy practice. While studies reported general perceptions toward AI, gaps between awareness and practical implementation remain evident, particularly in middle-income settings.

Objective:

To assess the baseline knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Malaysian pharmacists toward AI adoption in pharmacy practice and identify factors associated with these domains.

Methods:

A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered online questionnaire distributed to registered pharmacists practising in Malaysia. The instrument comprised 12 knowledge items, 10 attitude items, and 5 practice items following expert review and pilot testing. KAP scores were categorised using Bloom’s cut-off points, classified as good (80–100%), moderate (60–79%), or poor (<60%). Data was analysed using R statistical software.

Results:

A total of 407 pharmacists completed the survey. The median knowledge score was 75 (interquartile range [IQR] 67–92), with 42.3% demonstrating good knowledge. The median attitude score was 82 (IQR 76–94), and 64.6% exhibited positive attitudes toward AI. However, the median practice score was 56 (IQR 44–68), with 54.3% classified as having poor AI utilisation in practice. Significant and weak positive correlations were observed across the three domains. Pharmacists with postgraduate qualifications demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores (p = 0.011).

Conclusions:

Malaysian pharmacists demonstrated adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward AI. However, practical integration into routine pharmacy workflows remained limited. Strengthening institutional support, structured training, and implementation frameworks may be necessary to translate perceived readiness into clinical adoption.