A recent international research project led by Nanyang Technological University Singapore aimed to uncover the perceptions of Asian medical professionals regarding the use of AI in healthcare. FINDINGS The study involved surveying 165 gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons from Singapore, China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with statements designed to assess their trust, acceptance, and risk perception of AI in gastroenterology. The survey focused on three scenarios where AI can be applied: detection, characterization, and intervention. The findings, published in the scientific journal JMIR (Journal of Medical Internet Research), revealed that around 80% of respondents accept and trust the use of AI in diagnosing and assessing colorectal polyps. Approximately 70% accept and trust AI-assisted tools in removing polyps, while around 80% accept and trust AI in characterizing polyps. Interestingly, there was no significant difference in acceptance levels between public and private practices or between large hospitals and small practice groups.

However, the researchers noted that years of experience in the field may influence trust in AI. Gastroenterologists with less than ten years of clinical experience perceived more risks in using AI-powered tools compared to their more experienced counterparts. Joseph Sung, NTU professor and co-author of the study, explained, "Senior gastroenterologists with extensive experience in managing colorectal polyps may have greater confidence in their medical expertise, which generates confidence in exercising clinical discretion when new technologies are introduced. " Prof Sung also suggested that young doctors in gastroenterology may view AI as risky due to their lack of confidence in using it for invasive procedures like polyp removal. THE LARGER TREND The study focused on specialists in gastroenterology due to their heavy reliance on image-based diagnosis and surgical or endoscopic intervention. This is consistent with the increasing availability of AI-powered decision support tools, software, and systems for diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal disorders across Asia. Companies like AI Medical Service (AIM) and NEC in Japan are known for developing diagnostic endoscopy AI. AIM is currently collaborating with Stanford University School of Medicine to verify its product. Chinese startup Wision AI also offers an AI-powered polyp detection software called EndoScreener, which has received the CE mark. Additionally, Asian universities and hospitals, including the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, and the National University Hospital in Singapore, have developed AI-driven endoscopic systems to assist in detecting, diagnosing, and removing cancerous gastrointestinal lesions.