• 81% of Canadian doctors believe a legal framework for artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is essential
• 79% are uncertain if current laws on AI are equipped to protect vital patient rights, such as confidentiality
• However, the majority (59%) of physicians were enthusiastic about integrating AI into their practice

NEWARK, N.J.: New research from Medscape shows a clear consensus amongst Canadian physicians: artificial intelligence (AI) must be regulated. Across all specialties, age groups, and genders, Canadian doctors stressed a critical need for oversight of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Medscape’s research, titled Canada: Physicians and AI Report 2024, released today, shows more than three-quarters (77%) of the doctors surveyed agreed that AI use should be subject to government or medical association oversight. An overwhelming 81% called for a formal legal framework to regulate AI in medicine.

The study of more than 700 physicians also shows the strong interest held by Canadian doctors toward using AI in their practice. The majority (59%) of those surveyed expressed enthusiasm for using AI to support their medical work, with more than half (55%) believing that AI has the potential to reduce the risk of medical errors.

"Canadian doctors recognize that AI could transform healthcare for the better, but they are also keenly aware of the challenges," said Dr. John Whyte, MD, Chief Medical Officer, WebMD. "There is a real desire for structured guidance to ensure that AI’s implementation is safe, effective, and ethical."

Physicians also indicated a strong desire for education on AI in healthcare, with 72% of respondents saying it is "very important" for doctors to understand AI's applications and potential impact. This highlights a growing recognition of the evolving role AI is playing in modern medicine.

Despite a willingness to embrace the new technology, significant concerns remain, particularly regarding the protection of patient confidentiality. Only 21% of physicians surveyed expressed confidence that current government or medical bodies could adequately safeguard patient information when using AI. Notably, 4 in 5 doctors (79%) said they were not confident or uncertain; one respondent commented “I have no idea how this all works.”

"Doctors are eager to see AI’s benefits, but major hurdles remain," Dr. Whyte continued. "Without clear, reliable frameworks in law, many physicians remain skeptical that their patients will be protected."

As AI continues to expand into healthcare settings, it is clear that Canadian physicians support its potential while demanding robust regulatory frameworks and education to ensure its responsible use. One respondent noted, “It’s better to direct the introduction of new technology rather than react to its introduction.”

The Medscape Canada: Physicians and AI Report 2024 is available here: https://www.medscape.com/doctors_and_ai_ca_2024

About Medscape

Medscape is the leading source of clinical news, health information, and point-of-care tools for health care professionals. Medscape offers specialists, primary care physicians, and other health professionals the most robust and integrated medical information and educational tools. Medscape Education (medscape.org) is the leading destination for continuous professional development, consisting of more than 30 specialty-focused destinations offering thousands of free CME and CE courses and other educational programs for physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals.

Both Medscape and Medscape Education are part of WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company.

About WebMD Health Corp.

WebMD Health Corp., an Internet Brands company, is at the heart of the digital health revolution that is transforming the healthcare experience for consumers, patients, healthcare professionals, employers, health plans and health systems. Through public and private online portals, mobile platforms, and health-focused publications, WebMD delivers leading-edge content and digital services that enable and improve decision-making, support and motivate health actions, streamline and simplify the healthcare journey, and improve patient care.

The WebMD Health Network includes WebMD Health, Medscape, WebMD Ignite (encompassing Krames, The Wellness Network and Mercury Healthcare), Jobson Healthcare Information, MediQuality, Frontline, Vitals Consumer Services, Aptus Health, PulsePoint, The Wellness Network, SanovaWorks, MNG Health, MedicineNet, eMedicineHealth, RxList, OnHealth, Medscape Education, and other owned WebMD sites. WebMD®, Medscape®, CME Circle®, Medpulse®, eMedicine®, MedicineNet®, theheart.org® and RxList® are among the trademarks of WebMD Health Corp. or its subsidiaries.

Fonte: Business Wire