WVU researcher explores AI, clinicians' decision-making processes

Avishek Choudhury's research, published by Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, received the organization's 2024 Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare Best Article Award (Graphic illustration/Kaley LaQuea).

As interest in the potential of artificial intelligence grows, so do claims about its ability to transform the state of healthcare. But how do clinicians really feel about using AI technology in making medical decisions?

Story by Paige Nesbit, Director of Marketing and Communications
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

West Virginia University faculty in the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources are trying to find the answers to those questions.  

Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Assistant Professor Avishek Choudhury's research centers on clinicians' perceptions of accountability and training, and how their intention to use AI influences related decision-making processes. Choudhury’s study explores clinicians' views on how AI affects workload, trustworthiness, risk and performance expectancy.  

Choudhury’s findings acknowledge the need for human factors as a consideration and prerequisite for AI integration in healthcare. 

“Although peer-reviewed evidence indicates that AI will bring a paradigm shift in the healthcare ecosystem, actualization and effective integration of AI will require human factors consideration, that is, factors beyond predictive accuracy and algorithmic capabilities,” Choudhury stated. “Recommendations provided by researchers and governing bodies to safeguard healthcare AI are beneficial and timely.” 

The research will continue to address two major factors. The first, AI training, focuses on clinicians’ perception of AI training and how it impacts human factor considerations. The second is AI's accountability: how does the absence of AI's accountability impact clinicians’ intention to use the technology? 

"Our study explores how holding practitioners liable for AI errors can be a hurdle in AI adoption and suggests developing policies and measures to safeguard clinicians and AI in healthcare,” said Choudhury. “The study emphasizes improving clinicians’ risk perception and performance expectancy of AI.” 

In recognition of their research and article “Impact of Accountability, Training, and Human Factors on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Exploring the Perceptions of Healthcare Practitioners in the US.” Choudhury and co-author Onur Asan, associate professor from the Stevens Institute of Technology, received the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society’s 2024 Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare Best Article Award. 

“Best Article Award from Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, one of the leading professional societies, is a significant recognition and true testament to the impactful research Dr. Choudhury and his team are performing in the areas of AI and healthcare,” said Ashish Nimbarte, IMSE chair and professor and certified professional ergonomist.

The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society, founded in 1957, is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and the practice of human factors and ergonomics, bringing together practitioners, researchers and students from diverse fields including psychology, engineering, design and healthcare to improve interactions between people and systems.  

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