PERCEPTIONS OF THE INTEGRATION OF ARTICICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTO THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM AMONG HEALTH PROFESSIONALS IN NIGERIA
Keywords:
Artificial intelligence in healthcare, Digital health transformation, Healthcare information, Healthcare sustems in NigeriaAbstract
AI is transforming healthcare systems. However, its integration into the healthcare system in Nigeria remains limited. This study investigated perceptions of AI integration, assessing the awareness of AI among healthcare professionals, its influence on health information, and challenges affecting its adoption. Anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model, the study employed a descriptive survey design and engaged 400 healthcare professionals and hospital administrators across health institutions in Nigeria. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings showed that 83.2% of professionals were familiar with AI. Respondents agreed that AI enhances the accuracy of health information (86.0%), improves medical data interpretation (86.5%), and supports decision-making. Key challenges included insufficient infrastructure (78.9%), high implementation costs (78.9%) and shortage of trained personnel (79.7%). Qualitative findings confirmed that AI improves clinical decision-making and operational efficiency. The study concludes that healthcare professionals in Nigeria recognize the substantial benefits of AI, but its integration remains constrained by infrastructural, financial, and human-capacity challenges. The study recommends sustained investment in digital infrastructure and workforce capacity development for AI-driven healthcare systems in Nigeria.
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