Among other survey findings:

Nearly all physicians agree that getting the right clinical data at the right time is very important. However, four in five physicians don't believe that more clinical data is always the answer to achieving higher-quality care. The majority currently are so overburdened by information that it raises their stress levels (63%). For many, this information overload is a growing cause of burnout (30% vs. 24% in 2022).
Twice as many survey participants say AI eventually will be part of the solution, compared to those who say it is part of the problem. Those who believe in the positive potential of AI are much more hopeful that the field of health care is headed in the right direction. They also feel less burned out on a regular basis than those who are pessimistic about AI's role.
60% of respondents see the loss of a human touch as their biggest concern regarding the use of AI, reinforcing the belief that the best use of AI in health care will be in creating efficiencies in administrative functions, improving diagnostic accuracy, data monitoring and other back-office tasks.
4 in 10 physicians report being concerned that AI will just be one more thing that will complicate health care and that AI is being overhyped and cannot meet expectations (40%).

Related: Shaping the future of AI in health care: Senate looks to set 'guardrails' for patient safety

Athenahealth also conducted a separate survey about consumers' perceptions of AI in which results revealed gaps in awareness and trust. As with physicians, most consumers see AI as part of the potential solution to health care, yet have concerns about losing the human touch.

Instant Insights /

Physician burnout crisis: Can AI ease the doctor shortage, improve patient visits?

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