Perceptions, Preparedness, and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Integration in Government Healthcare Institutions in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman: A Cross‑Sectional Study
- Posted
- Server
- Preprints.org
- DOI
- 10.20944/preprints202509.0934.v1
Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly positioned as a catalyst for improving clinical decision‑making, operational efficiency, and service quality in healthcare. In Oman, however, government institutions remain in the early stages of digital transformation, and evidence on frontline readiness is limited.Objective: To assess healthcare professionals’ perceptions of AI, their preparedness and training, and the perceived barriers and recommendations for AI integration within government healthcare institutions in Al Buraimi Governorate, Oman.Methods: We conducted a quantitative, cross‑sectional survey of 300 healthcare professionals and administrative staff recruited via stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a structured, closed‑ended questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation, chi‑square tests, and multiple linear regression.Results: indicate strong positive perceptions of AI’s benefits (M=3.95, SD=0.89), particularly in improving patient care (86% high) and reducing errors (81.7% high), though skepticism persists regarding personalized treatment (58% high). Preparedness is notably low (M=2.94, SD=1.01), with 77.3% reporting inadequate training and 75.7% noting limited institutional training opportunities. Key barriers include infrastructure limitations (86% high), high costs (84.7% high), and data privacy concerns (77.7% high), alongside staff resistance (66.7% high). Recommendations emphasize scalable digital infrastructure, role-specific training, and stakeholder collaboration (93.7% high) Conclusions: Adoption is challenged by insufficient infrastructure, cost, and limited training/awareness among healthcare professionals. Targeted training, governance, and infrastructure are necessary to convert favorable attitudes into safe, sustainable adoption.