Health Professional Students’ Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence During Clinical Placements: Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study

Background: Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly expanding in higher education and clinical practice. However, its use during clinical placements, where cognitive demands and responsibility for patient care increase, remains insufficiently documented. Objective: This study aimed to characterize self-reported GenAI use during clinical placements, perceived benefits and risks, and related training and governance needs. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey at a French university (July 17 to September 30, 2025). Eligible participants were students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, or physiotherapy who were currently in, or had completed within the past 18 months, a clinical placement. A 61-item questionnaire (comprising closed- and open-ended items) assessed GenAI use, task patterns, perceived benefits or risks, and training or governance needs. A composite index classified self-perceived GenAI maturity as minimal, limited, moderate, or high. Group comparisons used χ2 tests; maturity gradients used trend tests. Results: A total of 388 students responded (n=308, 79.4% women), mainly nursing students (n=217, 55.9%). Overall, 204 (52.6%) students reported using GenAI during clinical placements. Use differed across disciplines (χ24=10.71; P=.03), with lower uptake in midwifery (6/23, 26%; odds ratio 0.30, 95% CI 0.11-0.77). Adoption increased markedly with self-perceived maturity (minimal: 2/22, 9% vs high: 22/29, 76%; trend P