Navigating “AI-Powered Immersiveness” in Healthcare Delivery: A Case of Indian Doctors
Ritu Raj, Rajesh Chandwani
This study explores how AI-powered immersive technologies, like virtual and augmented reality, are being adopted by doctors in India. Using a qualitative approach involving 84 doctors, the research investigates the factors influencing their adoption of these new tools and how this technology is reshaping their professional identity.
Problem
As AI and immersive technologies become more prevalent in healthcare, there is a gap in understanding what drives doctors to adopt them and how this integration affects their professional roles and sense of identity. Existing research often overlooks the unique challenges and identity shifts that occur when technology begins to take on tasks traditionally performed by highly skilled professionals.
Outcome
- The adoption of AI-powered immersive technologies by doctors is influenced by three key areas: specific technology capabilities (like enhanced surgical planning and training), individual perceptions (such as feeling present in the virtual environment), and organizational support (including collaborative frameworks and skill development opportunities). - Contrary to showing resistance, doctors display a spectrum of adoption behaviors, leading to the identification of four distinct professional identities: Risk-Averse Adopters, Pragmatic Adopters, Informed Enthusiasts, and Technology Champions. - The integration of these technologies is redefining the professional identity of doctors, moving them towards hybrid roles that combine traditional clinical expertise with technological fluency. - Ethical and privacy concerns, particularly regarding patient data, as well as questions about accountability when AI is involved in decision-making, are significant factors influencing doctors' perceptions of these technologies.
Host: Welcome to A.I.S. Insights, powered by Living Knowledge. Today, we're diving into the future of healthcare with a groundbreaking study titled "Navigating “AI-Powered Immersiveness” in Healthcare Delivery: A Case of Indian Doctors". With me is our expert analyst, Alex Ian Sutherland. Alex, welcome. Expert: Great to be here, Anna. Host: This study sounds like it’s straight out of science fiction. In simple terms, what's it all about? Expert: It’s about how doctors in India are starting to adopt AI-powered immersive technologies—think virtual and augmented reality—in their daily work. The research explores what drives them to use these tools and how this technology is fundamentally reshaping their professional identity.
Host: So, what’s the big problem this study is addressing? Why is this so important right now? Expert: Well, these advanced technologies are no longer just concepts; they're entering high-stakes environments like operating rooms. But there's a big gap in understanding the human side of this shift. We often focus on the tech, but forget the professionals using it. Host: You mean the doctors themselves. Expert: Exactly. The study highlights that when an AI can assist in a diagnosis or a VR headset guides a surgeon's hands, it challenges the traditional role of a doctor. It raises fundamental questions for them, like "What is my role now?" and "Where does my expertise end and the machine's begin?" It’s a true identity shift.
Host: That makes sense. So how did the researchers get inside the minds of doctors to understand something so personal? Expert: They used a very hands-on, qualitative approach. They conducted in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with 84 doctors across various specialties in India. This allowed them to capture the real-world experiences, the concerns, and the excitement directly from the people on the front lines, building their insights from the ground up.
Host: Let's get to those insights. What were the key findings? Did doctors simply love or hate the new technology? Expert: It was far more complex than that. First, they found adoption is influenced by three key things. One, the specific capabilities of the technology, like using AR to overlay patient scans during surgery. Host: That sounds incredibly useful. What else? Expert: Two, the individual doctor's perceptions, such as their feeling of "self-presence"—do they feel like their digital avatar is truly them? And three, crucial support from their organization, like providing training and clear collaborative frameworks. Host: So, the tool, the user, and the workplace all have to align. Expert: Precisely. And this led to the most fascinating discovery. Contrary to expectations of widespread resistance, the study found a whole spectrum of behaviors. It actually identifies four distinct professional identities that doctors adopt in response to this technology. Host: Four different identities? I’m intrigued. Expert: Yes. They are: the Risk-Averse Adopters, who are cautious and need extensive proof before they’ll try something. Then you have the Pragmatic Adopters, who are driven by practical results and efficiency gains. Host: Okay, that sounds familiar in any industry. Who are the other two? Expert: Next are the Informed Enthusiasts, who are proactively optimistic and see the tech as a collaborative partner. And finally, you have the Technology Champions. These are the true pioneers, the ones who see this tech as essential, and they actively advocate for it and mentor their colleagues.
Host: This is the crucial question for our audience, Alex. Why does identifying these four types of doctors matter for a business leader, a tech company, or a hospital administrator? Expert: It’s immensely practical. For any company developing or selling these technologies, it means a one-size-fits-all sales pitch is doomed to fail. You need to tailor your approach. Host: How so? Expert: For the Risk-Averse Adopter, you need to provide hard data, peer-reviewed research, and structured, hands-on training. For the Technology Champion, you should offer them opportunities to be part of beta testing or lead pilot programs. You’re not selling a product; you’re engaging with a professional identity. Host: So this is really a roadmap for change management. Expert: Absolutely. For hospital leaders, this is how you implement new tech successfully. You identify your Technology Champions and empower them to be mentors. You create safe, controlled environments for the Pragmatic Adopters to test the tools. You address the fears of the Risk-Averse with clear policies and support. Host: The study also mentioned ethical and privacy concerns as a big factor. Expert: This is a critical business risk. Doctors are worried about patient data security and a huge unresolved question: accountability. If an AI makes a mistake, who is responsible? The doctor, the hospital, or the software company? Businesses that step up with clear governance, transparent AI, and straightforward legal frameworks will earn the trust of medical professionals and gain a massive competitive advantage.
Host: This has been incredibly insightful. So, to summarize, integrating AI and immersive technology in healthcare isn't just a technical challenge; it's a deeply human one that's reshaping the identity of doctors. Expert: That's the core takeaway. And these doctors aren't a single group—they fall into distinct identities, from the cautious to the champion. Host: And for businesses, succeeding in this new landscape means understanding those identities, tailoring your strategy, and tackling the big ethical questions of privacy and accountability head-on. Alex, thank you for breaking down this complex topic for us. Expert: It was my pleasure, Anna. Host: And thank you to our listeners for tuning into A.I.S. Insights. Join us next time as we continue to explore the research shaping our world.
