Perceptions and Challenges of Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Healthcare Crisis Management: Insights from Hassan II regional hospital in Dakhla

Abstract

Introduction Artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates data processing, supports clinical decision-making, and optimizes resource allocation—capabilities that are especially critical during health crises. However, in Morocco, particularly in underserved regions like Dakhla, limited data exist on how frontline healthcare professionals perceive AI’s role in crisis response. This study explores the views of healthcare workers at Hassan II Regional Hospital in Dakhla to identify opportunities and barriers to AI adoption in emergency care. Methods and Materials We conducted a cross-sectional quantitative survey involving 34 healthcare professionals—including physicians, nurses, and aides—from the hospital’s emergency department. The structured questionnaire, developed from recent literature, assessed participants’ awareness of AI, perceptions of its benefits, trust in autonomous decision-making, ethical concerns, and willingness to use AI-based tools. We collected data anonymously, with informed consent, and analyzed responses using descriptive statistics in SPSS Software. Results The sample had a balanced gender distribution and a young age profile (mean age: 28.2). Most respondents (72%) were aware of AI in healthcare, and 77.8% believed it could improve care quality. Key expected benefits included improved diagnostic accuracy, optimized patient record management, and personalized treatments. However, 52.8% rejected AI-generated diagnoses or treatments without physician validation, highlighting limited trust in autonomous tools. Respondents were more receptive to AI in monitoring applications (55.6%). Their main concerns centered on diagnostic errors (44.4%), lack of algorithmic transparency (25%), and privacy risks (19.4%). They strongly supported human oversight (38.9%) and strict regulation (33.3%). Conclusion Overall, healthcare professionals see AI as a valuable support for crisis response but insist on strong ethical frameworks, medical supervision, and increased trust-building measures for future integration.