Responsible AI for perceived improvement in efficiency: The mediating roles of mindfulness and emotion regulation

There is little information about how healthcare professionals' psychological aspects, such as mindfulness and emotion regulation, affect the adoption and effectiveness of artificial intelligence (AI) systems in healthcare. To address this gap, this study investigates whether responsible AI (RAI) can be associated to perceived improvements in efficiency (PIE) in the UAE healthcare system and whether this influence is mediated by mindfulness and adaptive emotion regulation (ER). Drawing from anthropomorphism and commitment–consistency theory, a conceptual model of how RAI and psychological factors impact PIE was built and validated. Partial least squares-structural equation modeling was adopted for multiple linear regression analysis of survey data collected from 300 healthcare professionals in the UAE. Direct, positive relationships are observed between RAI, mindfulness, and PIE. Additionally, adaptive emotion regulation mediates the relationships of RAI with PIE and mindfulness. Furthermore, compared to ER, mindfulness is a far more powerful mediator. The findings suggest that managers should develop strategies that create a conducive environment for both technological and human resource development. Additionally, management should promote ongoing professional development that integrates AI tools with soft skills training to enhance healthcare professionals' emotional resilience and adaptability. This article is one of the early studies offering empirical insights on the intersection of RAI, psychological aspects of healthcare professionals, and perceived improvement in efficiency. The research contributes to the emerging intersection of technological advancement with psychological wellness. Moreover, the dual-theory approach is novel and relevant in AI technology and organizational outcome research.