Perceptions and Attitudes of Chinese Oncologists Toward Endorsing AI-Driven Chatbots for Health Information Seeking Among Patients with Cancer: Phenomenological Qualitative Study.

Abstract

Chatbots driven by large language model artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as potential tools to enhance health information access for patients with cancer. However, their integration into patient education raises concerns among oncologists. Limited literature has examined the perceptions and attitudes of oncologists in terms of endorsing AI-driven chatbots for health information. This study aims to explore the perceptions and attitudes of Chinese oncologists toward endorsing AI-driven chatbots to patients with cancer. In this phenomenological qualitative study, we purposively sampled oncologists from 4 hospitals in Southwest and East China and conducted semistructured interviews with 24 participants between November 19, 2024, and December 21, 2024. The data saturation principle was observed to determine the end point of data collection. Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi method. The participants were aged 42.0 (range 29-53) years on average, including 9 (37%) female and 15 (62%) male participants. The participants had an average of 8.8 (range 1-25) years in oncology. Of the participants, 7 (29%) had recommended AI chatbots to patients. Three key themes were revealed from analysis of interview transcriptions, including perceived benefits, significant concerns, and impacts on doctor-patient dynamics. Benefits included enhanced accessibility and potential support for chronic condition management. Concerns centered on liability, misinformation, lack of personalization, privacy and data security risks, and patient readiness and education. Oncologists stressed a dual impact of AI chatbots on doctor-patient dynamics, recognizing the potential for improved communication and risks of trust erosion due to overreliance on AI. While recognizing the potential of AI-driven chatbots to enhance accessibility of health information and chronic disease management, Chinese oncologists report significant concerns, including liability, misinformation, lack of personalization, privacy and data security risks, and patient readiness. Addressing the challenges requires comprehensive solutions, such as clear policies and guidelines, rigorous testing and validation, institutional endorsement, and robust patient and provider education. Future efforts should focus on resolving the barriers while leveraging the strengths of AI technology to support patient-centered care in a safe, effective, and ethical manner.