Abstract:

Background: In recent decades, the rapid growth of medical information has made it increasingly challenging for students and physicians to keep up with the vast amount of data they need to learn. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has further accelerated this expansion. Educating the next generation of physicians with the right techniques and adaptations to AI will enable them to become part of this emerging data science revolution. Accordingly, this study aimed to design, implement and evaluate an AI course at the Faculty of Medicine at Suez Canal University (FOM-SCU) to enhance undergraduate medical students' knowledge, skills, and attitude toward AI.
Methodology: A Quasi-experimental (pre-test/post-test) study design was conducted to evaluate the effect of the implemented AI course on the knowledge acquisition of undergraduate medical students, at FOM-SCU using MCQs followed by the assessment of students' satisfaction regarding the AI course and their attitude towards AI in healthcare and medical education using two questionnaires.
Results: There was a significant increase in the mean post-test scores compared to the pre-test scores across AI-related subthemes, with a significance level of p < 0.001. Also, the undergraduate medical students demonstrated overall satisfaction with the implemented AI course. The undergraduate medical students concurrently expressed optimism and concerns toward AI in healthcare and medical education.
Conclusion: The implemented AI course achieved promising outcomes and offered a beneficial framework for educating medical students about AI in healthcare and medical education to cope with forthcoming challenges.