Perceptions and challenges of Artificial Intelligence adoption in Nigerian public healthcare: Insights from consultant doctors across five tertiary hospitals

Problem considered: Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption in Nigerian healthcare settings faces unique challenges due to limited infrastructure, regulatory gaps, and varied levels of familiarity among healthcare professionals. This study explores consultant doctors' perceptions of AI adoption in public healthcare across five tertiary hospitals in Southwestern Nigeria. Method: The study was conducted across five purposively selected public tertiary hospitals across five states. Using purposive sampling, 15 consultant doctors from specialties, including radiology, internal medicine, and emergency medicine, participated in semi-structured interviews. Data was collected through interviews that explored knowledge, challenges, and opportunities surrounding AI in healthcare. Following Braun and Clarke's framework, thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Results: The study revealed a nascent but growing awareness of AI's applications in healthcare, with familiarity primarily concentrated in diagnostic imaging and predictive analytics. While consultants acknowledged AI's potential to enhance diagnostic speed and accuracy, they also expressed concerns regarding diminished human interaction, the risk of diagnostic inaccuracies, and the potential for over-reliance on AI systems. Ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and the need for robust regulatory oversight were prominent. Participants emphasized the necessity for stringent data protection protocols and well-defined guidelines governing AI implementation. Conclusion: Consultant doctors view AI as a potentially transformative tool for Nigerian public healthcare but underscore the critical need for comprehensive training programs, robust regulatory frameworks, and substantial infrastructural improvements to ensure its responsible and effective integration. Additionally, AI models must be customized to address Nigeria-specific healthcare challenges.