This survey aimed to assess physiotherapy educators and researchers knowledge, usage, attitudes, concerns, and needs regarding AI integration in education and research.
A descriptive and observational study was conducted using an online survey, distributed through the European Network of Physiotherapy in Higher Education (ENPHE) newsletter and other professional platforms during the 2023-2024 academic year. The survey was designed to assess teachers' knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), their use of AI in teaching and research, their attitudes toward the integration of AI in health professions education and research, as well as their needs, concerns, and perceptions of risks related to AI. Likert-scale questions were used to systematically collect data, providing a structured evaluation of teachers' perspectives on AI in educational and research contexts.
A total of 139 responses were collected from participants across 28 different countries. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, providing insights into the current state of AI knowledge, usage, and attitudes among physiotherapy educators and researchers. The results of the study show that physiotherapy educators and researchers generally have a positive perception of AI, recognizing its potential to enhance both education and research within their field. Most respondents acknowledge the benefits AI can bring to teaching, such as improving educational processes and personalizing student engagement, as well as optimizing research by enhancing data management and analysis. However, ethical concerns persist, with over respondents expressing reservations. Key concerns include data privacy, and the necessity for clear ethical guidelines to govern the use of AI in educational and research contexts. Additionally, respondents identified a need for increased training and institutional support to effectively integrate AI into their work
The findings of this study highlight a generally positive attitude towards the integration of AI in physiotherapy education and research, with educators and researchers recognizing its potential to improve teaching and research outcomes. However, significant concerns remain regarding ethical issues such as data privacy and algorithmic bias.
To address these concerns and ensure a successful integration of AI, there is a clear need for increased AI literacy, targeted training, and the development of comprehensive ethical guidelines. Enhancing institutional support and fostering open dialogue on these issues are crucial steps to promote informed, responsible, and effective use of AI in physiotherapy education and research.
Education
Physiotherapy
