Exploring the use of AI methods and chatbots in medical education among medical students in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: To determine the attitude of the medical students towards the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in undergraduate medical students at Jordanian universities. METHODS: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted over three months, from October 2023 to December 2023, and 1099 medical students participated from different Jordanian universities. The survey comprised four key sections: demographics, AI Exposure, perceptions and future outlook, and ethical concerns. RESULTS: The survey revealed a notable gender disparity in AI usage among medical students, in which females constituted a larger proportion (74%). Among the types of chatbots used, ChatGPT (GPT-3.5) was the most popular and used by 47.5% of students, and 49.4% indicated 1–5 h saved per week when using chatbots in general. 35.4% agreed that AI would benefit their future careers as doctors, and 30% agreed that medical students should be educated about the limitations and potential risks of AI technologies in patient care. CONCLUSION: The findings underscore the importance of integrating discussions about AI in medical curricula to ensure students are well-informed and prepared for the evolving landscape of healthcare.