The adoption of artificial intelligence in healthcare has accelerated at an unprecedented rate, according to research by the American Medical Association (AMA). The AMA’s survey, conducted in both 2023 and 2024, reveals that the proportion of physicians using AI in practice has nearly doubled within a year, rising from 38% to 66%. This rapid growth highlights a significant shift in AI acceptance, particularly as more physicians integrate it into administrative and clinical workflows.
Growing Adoption and Changing Attitudes
A key finding of the research is the increasing recognition of AI’s benefits in patient care. In 2024, 68% of physicians reported that AI provided at least some advantage, an increase from 63% in 2023. While some concerns remain, enthusiasm for AI adoption is growing, with 36% of respondents feeling more excited than worried about AI’s role in healthcare, compared to 30% the previous year. This trend suggests a shift in perception, where AI is increasingly seen as an enabler rather than a disruptive force.
The most common AI applications in healthcare remain administrative, with documentation-related tasks such as visit notes, discharge summaries and billing code generation ranking highest in adoption. Physicians also report increased use of AI for medical research and standard-of-care summaries. These developments indicate a growing reliance on AI to streamline routine tasks, reducing workload pressures and allowing more time for patient care.
Key Areas of Opportunity for AI
The AMA’s research highlights administrative burden reduction as the most significant area where AI can provide value. More than half of physicians (57%) see automation as the primary opportunity, making it the dominant driver of AI adoption. This is particularly relevant given increasing workforce shortages and the widespread issue of physician burnout. By automating time-consuming administrative tasks, AI has the potential to free up physicians’ time, improve efficiency and reduce stress.
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Beyond administration, AI is increasingly recognised for its potential to enhance clinical decision-making. Physicians anticipate benefits in areas such as diagnostic ability, care coordination and resource allocation. The use of AI-driven tools for health risk prediction, triage support and patient monitoring is gaining attention, although these applications remain less widely adopted than administrative functions.
The report also finds that physicians are becoming more familiar with AI use cases. In 2024, more respondents expressed knowledge of AI applications such as translation services, chatbot-assisted patient communication and assistive diagnosis. Although the level of direct usage varies, this increasing awareness suggests that AI’s role in healthcare is becoming more widely understood, which could pave the way for broader implementation in the future.
Barriers and Requirements for Trust
Despite the growth in AI adoption, physicians continue to express concerns that must be addressed to sustain this momentum. The AMA survey identifies several key requirements that influence AI trust and adoption, with regulatory oversight emerging as the top priority. Nearly half (47%) of physicians ranked increased oversight of AI tools as the most important regulatory measure to build confidence. This includes stronger governance of AI-enabled medical devices and clearer disclosure requirements for AI use in patient care.
Another critical factor is data privacy. Physicians emphasise the need for robust safeguards to ensure patient information remains secure, particularly as AI becomes more integrated into electronic health record (EHR) systems. Concerns around liability also persist, with many physicians seeking assurances that they will not be held responsible for AI-driven errors unless explicitly involved in decision-making.
Workflow integration is another significant consideration. Physicians favour AI tools that seamlessly integrate into existing practice operations rather than requiring additional effort to implement. The report indicates that a well-integrated AI solution—one that aligns with clinical workflows and does not function as a standalone tool—would be more readily adopted.
Education and training also play a vital role in AI acceptance. Many physicians cite the need for structured training programmes and clear, evidence-based validation of AI’s effectiveness. The AMA survey highlights that physicians prefer information presented in a structured format, such as bullet points, real-world examples and visual aids, to help them understand AI’s capabilities. Without sufficient training and proof of AI’s efficacy, scepticism could hinder broader adoption.
The AMA’s findings suggest that AI’s role in healthcare is expanding, with more physicians planning to incorporate AI tools in the near future. While administrative applications are leading the way, AI’s potential to improve patient care is increasingly being recognised. The steady rise in familiarity with AI use cases, coupled with growing enthusiasm, indicates that its integration into healthcare is set to continue evolving.
However, the success of AI adoption will depend on addressing key challenges, including regulatory oversight, data security and workflow alignment. Building trust among physicians remains essential, requiring clear validation of AI’s benefits and robust mechanisms for ongoing monitoring and feedback.
As AI continues to reshape healthcare, its long-term role will be defined by its ability to balance innovation with physician confidence and practical usability. With the right safeguards and support, AI has the potential to enhance both administrative efficiency and clinical outcomes, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.
Source: American Medical Association
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