Transforming towards AI-augmented Healthcare: Experiences of physicians in Sweden

Abstract

Recent advancements in connectivity and automation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to transformative changes in the healthcare sector. This study investigates physicians' experience of AI-based technologies in healthcare. To achieve this objective, we gathered responses through open-ended essays from 326 physicians working in Swedish healthcare. These respondents have experience in using AI technologies for distinct tasks, which include prediction, diagnosis, medical image analysis, text generation, analysis, chatbots, wearable devices, telemedicine and robot assistance. The data was analyzed by thematic coding. The findings show that the physicians’ perception towards use of AI in healthcare is influenced by drivers and barriers that are present at macro, organizational, system and personal level. The identified drivers include work task changes, functional aspects, organizational aspects, system characteristics and personal motivators. The barriers include legal and ethical dilemma, organizational readiness, system limitations and personal demotivators. This study leverages paradox theory as a framework to deepen the understanding of the complexities and interconnections between perceived barriers and potential solutions related to AI in healthcare as a contribution to the literature. • This study explores physicians' experiences with the use of AI applications in healthcare. • The study is based on a survey of 326 physicians who work within Swedish healthcare. • Barriers and drivers create paradoxical tensions to AI adoption in healthcare. • Environment, organization, technology, individual, and task domains shape AI adoption. • Paradox theory is used to explain salient tensions within each domain of AI adoption.