Abstract
The objective of this study is to explore the benefits and challenges that pertain to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pakistan's health care system using a quantitative research design based on surveys as a means for data collection. The rapid adoption of various types of AI technologies by health care systems globally has fundamentally changed the way that health care is delivered. While AI is often incorporated into the diagnosis and treatment of patients, within developing countries like Pakistan, AI is only slowly and inconsistently finding its way into regular use. This study looked at how health care professionals perceive AI as an application in health care, what benefits could be realized, and what the primary impediments to the successful adoption of AI in Pakistani health care are. Data for the study are collected using a questionnaire that included both open and closed-ended questions designed to elicit responses from physicians, nurses, health administrators, and IT professionals working in public and private health care providers throughout Pakistan. A total of study participants are selected from both the public and private sectors utilizing both convenience sampling techniques and stratified sampling techniques. The questionnaire included items related to the perception of AI with respect to efficiency, accuracy, cost effectiveness, quality of patient care, data management capabilities, ethical issues related to the use of AI; the availability of necessary infrastructure and technical skills among health care professionals; and the presence of regulatory agencies providing support for health care providers using AI. Data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques with the help of statistical software. The results show that AI has a large impact on diagnosing patients, making clinical decisions, decreasing workloads, and improving Health care administration; and all participants expressed the opinion that implementing AI will improve patient outcomes, especially for patients in rural regions who have limited access to healthcare services. However, the participants also report a number of challenges to implementing AI, including a lack of technology, a lack of trained personnel, the high cost of implementation, privacy concerns regarding patient information, ethical issues, as well as limiting government policies and regulations. In conclusion, despite the strong potential of AI to transform the health care system in Pakistan, the study indicates that further investments are needed to address the areas identified in this report through the establishment of infrastructure, capacity-building, policy efforts and ethical governance, in order to fully realize the benefits of AI in Pakistan’s Health care system. Recommendations for practice are provided for government, health care organizations, and technology developers in order to develop effective strategies for sustaining the implementation of AI in Pakistan’s health care system. Future research on AI’s continued impact on Health care should employ qualitative methods and longitudinal research designs.