Attitudes, Needs, and Expectations Regarding the Application of AI in Occupational Healthcare: A Multiple Stakeholder Perspective.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to explore attitudes, needs, and expectations of employees, employers, and occupational health professionals regarding the application of AI in occupational healthcare. Twenty-three semistructured interviews were conducted between May and December 2024. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The following five themes were identified: skepticism about the feasibility of using AI, perceived benefits of using AI, chances for improving quality of care, unfamiliarity leading to more reserved attitudes, and need for clarity about actionable perspectives. There is an urgent need from all stakeholders for clear, actionable perspectives on AI outcomes, such as predictions of future sick leave. Future research should explore these actionable perspectives, ensuring that they are acceptable to all stakeholders and maximize occupational health benefits. Because of unfamiliarity, a longer period of co-creation with stakeholders is recommended when developing AI tools for occupational healthcare.