A survey from the American Medical Association (AMA) reveals a rapid increase in physician adoption of artificial intelligence tools in clinical and administrative settings.

According to the AMA’s Physician Sentiments Around the Use of AI in Healthcare report, the percentage of physicians using AI nearly doubled in one year, rising from 38% in 2023 to 66% in 2024.

Here are some of the key findings from the survey:

Growing confidence in AI’s benefits
The report found that physician sentiment toward AI is becoming more positive. In 2024, 68% of surveyed physicians said AI offers at least some advantage in patient care, up from 63% the previous year. Additionally, 36% reported feeling more excited than concerned about AI’s role in healthcare, an increase from 30% in 2023.

AI adoption has been most prominent in documentation-related tasks. Physicians are increasingly using AI for visit documentation, discharge summaries, care plans, and summarizing medical research and standards of care. The AMA report indicates that administrative burden reduction remains a primary driver for AI adoption, with 57% of physicians identifying automation as the greatest opportunity for AI integration.

Barriers to adoption and trust concerns
Despite growing enthusiasm, physicians continue to highlight key challenges that must be addressed to further AI adoption. These include the need for a clear feedback loop, strong data privacy protections, seamless integration with EHRs, and adequate training. Nearly half of respondents (47%) ranked increased oversight as the top regulatory action needed to build trust in AI tools.

Physicians also expressed concerns about decision-making authority over AI adoption in their practices. While a majority (52%) want to be consulted before AI-related decisions are made, the report notes that physician influence over technology adoption has declined compared to previous years.

Future AI adoption trends
Looking ahead, the survey suggests that AI use in healthcare will continue to expand, particularly in documentation and administrative applications. The report found that many physicians are either already using AI or plan to adopt it in the near term, with documentation tools expected to be integrated the fastest.

The AMA’s findings underscore a shifting landscape where AI is becoming a more accepted and valuable tool in healthcare, but challenges remain in ensuring trust, regulatory oversight, and effective implementation.

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