Comparison of Perceptions of Future Medical Technologies and Healthcare Services between Medical and Non-medical Students
10.15715/kjhcom.2025.20.1.17
- Author:
Seon Yong LEE
1
;
Sun Young KYUNG
;
So Jung YUNE
;
Kwi Hwa PARK
Author Information
1. Student, Department of Medicine, Gachon University College of Medicine
- Publication Type:Research Article
- From:
Health Communication
2025;20(1):17-25
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:: With the rapid growth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), big data, robotic surgery, and telemedicine are transforming healthcare. Understanding how medical students, as future healthcare providers, and non-medical students, as future patients, perceive these changes is essential. This study compares their awareness, interest, and perceptions of AI-driven healthcare and future medical technologies.
Methods:: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 167 students (68 non-medical students, 99 medical students) from diverse academic backgrounds. The questionnaire assessed awareness of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, perceptions of AI’s impact on healthcare, and expectations regarding future medical technologies. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests and descriptive statistics.
Results:: Differences were found in the awareness of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies depending on whether participants were medical students, while no significant differences were observed in their levels of interest. Non-medical students showed lower concern about data privacy breaches related to AI in healthcare. Regarding the perceived impact of future medical technologies on patients, non-medical students expected a greater reduction in misdiagnosis rates, whereas medical students were more concerned about the risk of personal data exposure. Lastly, non-medical students were more positive about the potential for faster diagnoses for physicians.
Conclusion:: The findings highlight differences in awareness and attitudes between medical and non-medical students. Tailored education and policies are needed to improve technology acceptance and ethical considerations in healthcare.
