Artificial Intelligence and Patient Autonomy in Obesity Treatment Decisions: An Empirical Study of the Challenges

• Published in: Curēus (Palo Alto, CA) CA), 2023-11, Vol.15 (11), p.e49725-e49725
• Main Authors: Alanzi, Turki, Alhajri, Ahlam, Almulhim, Sara, Alharbi, Sara, Alfaifi, Samya, Almarhoun, Eslam, Mulla, Raghad, Alasafra, Zainab O, Alalwan, Zainab, Alnasser, Fatima, Almukhtar, Fatima, Al Ghadeer, Fatemah, Amro, Sara, Alodhayb, Ibrahim, Alanzi, Nouf
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial intelligence; Data analysis; Decision making; Diabetes; Dietitians; Education; Health care; Medical personnel; Nutrition research; Nutritionists; Obesity; Patients; Physicians; Professional ethics; Questionnaires; Weight control
• ISSN: 2168-8184; 2168-8184
• DOI: 10.7759/cureus.49725

Background This study aims to explore the factors associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and patient autonomy in obesity treatment decision-making. Methodology A cross-sectional, online, descriptive survey design was adopted in this study. The survey instrument incorporated the Ideal Patient Autonomy Scale (IPAS) and other factors affecting patient autonomy in the AI-patient relationship. The study participants included 74 physicians, 55 dieticians, and 273 obese patients. Results Different views were expressed in the scales AI knows the best (μ = 2.95-3.15) and the patient should decide (μ = 2.95-3.16). Ethical concerns (μ = 3.24) and perceived privacy risks (μ = 3.58) were identified as having a more negative influence on patient autonomy compared to personal innovativeness (μ = 2.41) and trust (μ = 2.85). Physicians and dieticians expressed significantly higher trust in AI compared to patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions Patient autonomy in the AI-patient relationship is significantly affected by privacy, trust, and ethical issues. As trust is a multifaceted factor and AI is a novel technology in healthcare, it is essential to fully explore the various factors influencing trust and patient autonomy.