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Program Number: B016
Session Name: Poster Session

Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Otolaryngology: Uses & Concerns

Iman S Iqbal, MS¹; Jonathan M Carnino, BS¹; Dean Kennedy, MS¹; Jessica R Levi, MD²; Anand K Devaiah, MD²; ¹Boston University Chobanian and Avedesian School of Medicine; ²Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Boston Medical Center, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine

Objective: With the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in otolaryngology, this study aims to explore the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding the use of AI in the field, including its applications, potential ethical concerns, and future expectations.

Methods: A survey containing 14 questions was distributed to otolaryngology attendings, residents, and medical students between April and September 2024. The survey was conducted via RedCap, and only complete responses were included in the final analysis. Participants were asked about their interest in using AI for specific tasks, the expected role of AI in otolaryngology in the next three years, and their concerns regarding AI's ethical implications, potential biases, and accountability.

Results: A total of 51 complete responses were received: 74.5% (n=38) attendings, 9.8% (n=5) residents, and 15.7% (n=8) medical students. Most respondents (47.1%, n=24) expressed interest in using AI for administrative tasks, with 41.2% (n=21) expecting it to play a major role in this area over the next three years. Notably, 29.4% (n=15) expected AI to be increasingly used for patient communication. When it comes to accountability for AI-driven errors, 43.1% (n=22) believed that software developers should bear the primary responsibility, followed by healthcare providers (39.2%, n=20). Concerns about biases in AI were prevalent, with 63.1% (n=32) agreeing or strongly agreeing that biases in AI algorithms are a significant concern. Privacy and the potential reduction in human interaction were also concerns, with 62.7% (n=32) agreeing that AI might negatively impact patient-provider relationships due to these factors.

Conclusion: Healthcare professionals in otolaryngology recognize the potential of AI, particularly in administrative and communication tasks, but express concerns regarding ethical accountability, biases, and the impact on patient interaction. These findings underscore the importance of addressing these concerns as AI continues to evolve within the field of otolaryngology.

Table 1. Responses of participants (n = 51) for the task they are most interested in using AI for versus the task they expect AI to be used for in the next 3 years.

Tasks	Interest % (n)	Expected Use % (n)
Preoperative planning	9.8 (5)	5.9 (3)
Intraoperative tasks	3.9 (2)	3.9 (2)
Postoperative care	3.9 (2)	5.9 (3)
Outpatient care	19.6 (10)	13.7 (7)
Administrative tasks	47.1 (24)	41.2 (21)
Patient communication	15.7 (8)	29.4 (15)

 

Table 2. Responses of participants (n = 51) for who they believe should be held accountable for any ethical and/or legal responsibility with AI.

Groups	Responses % (n)
Software Developers	43.1 (22)
Healthcare Providers	39.2 (2)
Healthcare Administrators	17.6 (9)

 

Figure 1. Responses of participants (n = 51) on a 7-point Likert scale to various statements about the concerns of using AI in otolaryngology.

 

 

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