JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

This paper provides a comprehensive review of nationally representative public opinion surveys on artificial intelligence (AI) in the United States, with a focus on areas related to health care. Existing surveys focused on issues concerning surveillance (e.g., contact tracing), safety and privacy, and the use of AI in disease diagnosis and treatment.

Objective:

The purpose of this study is to synthesize existing research on public attitudes toward the use of artificial intelligence in health care settings in the United States and to provide insights relevant for guiding more effective and inclusive engagement.

Methods:

We conducted a review of public opinion surveys, reports, and peer-reviewed journal articles on public perceptions of AI in the United States through searches on Web of Science, PubMed, and Roper iPoll. Searches were limited to studies published in English between January 1, 2010 and January 31, 2022. Titles, abstracts, and methods were screened to determine inclusion. Studies with a nationally representative U.S. survey sample were included; all others were excluded (e.g., non-U.S. samples or studies not clearly identified as representative). We also performed secondary analyses on four datasets to further explore findings on attitudes across different demographic groups.

Results:

The search identified 175 records of which 39 were assessed for inclusion. The final sample includes 11 nationally representative surveys.

Conclusions:

Americans in general report seeing health care as an area in which AI applications could be particularly beneficial. Yet, they have substantial levels of concern regarding specific applications, especially ones in which AI is involved in decision-making, and regarding privacy of health information.