Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has rapidly advanced in the medical field, with growing applications in anesthesia, such as patient monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated decision-making. Despite its potential, 
Objectives: to assess anesthesia-techniques students’ knowledge, expectations, and attitudes toward AI in anesthesia at Al-Rafidain University College and examines the relationship between students’ perceptions of AI and some demographic factors and identifying key areas of skepticism and potential for
AI education in anesthesia training.
Method & Participants: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 150 anesthesia students (aged 20-24) from different stages. The survey assessed knowledge, perceptions, and concerns regarding AI in anesthesia. Data Collection: A structured questionnaire covering: Demographics Perceptions of AI in anesthesia, and Ethical and educational considerations. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software, employing descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to identify associations between attitudes and demographic factors.
Results: Students who heard of AI – 96.7%. The main source of AI awareness was social media – 79.3%. Students had limited knowledge of AI – 58%. Students had good knowledge of AI – 33.3%. Neutral attitudes toward AI – 65%. Positive attitudes toward AI – 32.1%. Unsure about AI-assisted anesthesia – 50.1%. Opposed to AI-assisted anesthesia – 32.8%. Acceptance of AI in diagnostics – 72.6%. Acceptance of AI in postoperative monitoring – 63.3%. Concerned about AI’s lack of empathy – 36.5%. Concerned about potential communication barriers – 38%. Concerned about AI’s inability to detect subtle vital changes – 59.8%.
Conclusion: While anesthesia students recognize AI’s potential benefits in anesthesia practice, skepticism remains regarding its ability to ensure patient safety and enhance clinical decision-making.