Veterinary workers report low knowledge of artificial intelligence but positive attitudes toward its adoption in diagnostic imaging and the workplace as a whole.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe veterinary workers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding AI in veterinary medicine, with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging. METHODS: An observational cross-sectional survey was administered from February through July 2023 with Qualtrics. A convenience sample of general and emergency practitioners, board-certified and board-eligible specialists, interns, residents, technicians, and students was recruited predominantly in Canada and the US. RESULTS: Responses from 673 participants were analyzed. Most respondents reported no or minimal formal AI training (90.5%) and a basic understanding of AI (66.1%). Twenty-five percent reported AI was used at their workplace. Most believed AI will alter veterinary medicine (72.3%) and improve veterinary radiology (56.6%), and most did not believe AI will completely replace radiologists (85.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Veterinary workers reported limited AI knowledge but generally optimistic attitudes toward adoption and strong interest in education and evidence-based validation of AI tools. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With the use of AI in veterinary medicine rapidly growing, it may be beneficial to include AI training in the curriculum for veterinary students and technicians and in continuing education for currently practicing veterinarians to ensure the responsible and successful implementation of AI into the field.