Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Medical Education
Date Submitted: Mar 12, 2025
Date Accepted: Jul 16, 2025
Perception of medical undergraduates on artificial intelligence in medical education: a qualitative exploration
ABSTRACT
Background:
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized medical education by delivering tools that enhance and optimize learning. However, there is limited research on the medical students’ perceptions regarding the effectiveness of AI as a learning tool, particularly in Sri Lanka.
Objective:
The study aimed to explore students’ perceived barriers and limitations to using AI for learning as well as their expectations in terms of future use if AI in medical education.
Methods:
An exploratory qualitative study was conducted in September 2024, involving focus group discussions with medical students from two major Universities in Sri Lanka. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes emerging from the discussions.
Results:
Thirty-eight medical students participated in five focus group discussions. Majority of the participants were Sinhalese females. The perceived benefits included saving time and effort and collecting and summarizing information. However, concerns and limitations centered around inaccuracies of information provided, and the negative impacts on critical thinking, social interactions (peer and student teacher), and long-term retention of knowledge. Students were confused about contradictory messages received from educators regarding the use of AI for teaching and learning. However, participants showed an enthusiasm for learning more about ethical use of AI to enhance learning and indicated that basic AI knowledge should be taught in their undergraduate programme.
Conclusions:
Participants recognized several benefits of AI assisted learning but also expressed concerns and limitations requiring further studies for effective integration of AI into medical education. They expressed openness and enthusiasm for using AI while demonstrating confusion and reluctance due to perspectives and stance of educators. We recommend educating both the educators, as well as learners on the ethical use of AI enabling a formal integration of AI tools into medical curricula. Clinical Trial: Not applicable
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