Intention to use an interactive Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbot for learning self-medication consultation among pharmacy students

Background: Whilst Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds great potential as a significant component in pharmacy education, research on students' intentions as the relevant key stakeholders is lacking. This study describes Indonesian pharmacy students' intention to use a newly developed AI chatbot for Self-Medication Consultation Learning (SMCL-chatbot), and the determinant factors. Methods: A questionnaire adapted from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) model was used to assess the students’ intentions. A tryout for SMCL-chatbot was conducted among pharmacy students at the University of Surabaya’s 2024 “Responding to Symptom” classes (n = 237). After interacting with the SMCL-chatbot, the students filled out the questionnaire. Results: Of the 237 students, 201 participated from which 90% expressed a positive intention to use the SMCL-chatbot. More than 80% had positive perceptions of the UTAUT2 constructs, including: performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating condition, and hedonistic motivation. Performance expectancy (OR: 16.5, 95% CI: 1.42-192.42, p: 0.025) and hedonistic motivation (OR: 19.4, 95%CI 2.60-144.63, p: 0.004) were significantly related to students’ intentions. Conclusion:Students showed positive intentions to use the SMCL-chatbot, indicating their readiness to adopt the technology for learning self-medication consultations. Further research is required to demonstrate the effectiveness of improving students’ consultation skills and to perform a cost-benefit analysis.