Exploring patient and NHS staff acceptability of artificial intelligence-supported surgical wound monitoring within the WISDOM feasibility study: a multi-centre qualitative interview study.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is beginning to be used within digital surgical wound monitoring to facilitate implementation at scale. AI acceptability is essential to its success. This study aimed to explore patient and staff acceptability of an AI-based digital surgical wound monitoring platform. Qualitative interviews SETTING: Two hospitals performing cardiac surgery in England. 20 patients undergoing cardiac surgery and 10 clinical staff participating in a randomised feasibility trial of surgical wound monitoring with AI. Semi-structured interviews were conducted focusing on participants' experiences or perceptions of AI-based digital surgical wound monitoring. Data were analysed, guided by the theoretical framework of acceptability. Patient and staff acceptability of AI within surgical wound monitoring. Patients and staff were supportive of the use of AI within surgical wound monitoring and felt safety was improved, access was increased and efficiency was improved. AI monitoring was perceived to allow the early detection and treatment of surgical wound complications and facilitate the implementation of monitoring at scale for all patients. Some participants were concerned about data security risks, staff over-reliance on AI and the loss of human interaction. AI-supported digital surgical wound monitoring appeared acceptable to participants within this feasibility study. Further research is needed to evaluate implementation in broader settings. ISRCTN16900119 and NCT06475703.