Perspectives on the use and implementation of artificial intelligence in pharmacy education and training: Views of faculty, PharmD students, and pharmacists in Saudi Arabia

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Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers new approaches to addressing challenges in educational learning and teaching processes. This study aims to investigate perspectives on the use and implementation of AI in pharmacy education and training among pharmacy faculty, students, and practitioners in Saudi Arabia. Methods: This is an online cross-sectional survey study that was conducted in Saudi Arabia between October and December 2024. Results: The majority of respondents, including faculty, practitioners, and students, reported at least moderate familiarity with AI. Of the respondents, 56.4% of faculty, 66.7% of practitioners, and 92.3% of students reported some or high familiarity. Generative AI tools were the most frequently employed, as reported by 65.5% of faculty, 59.3% of practitioners, and 49.5% of students. AI use was widespread. The majority of faculty and students expressed a strong or very strong agreement that AI has the potential to enhance pharmacy education. Improved levels of participation, real-world scenario modeling, decreased levels of administrative workload, and the optimization of drug data analyses were the key perceived benefits. AI curricular adoption was supported by 78.2% of faculty, while 85.2% of practitioners endorsed AI in workforce improvement. The primary challenges were limited training regarding AI, ethical concerns, and limited access to AI tools. AI exposure was strongly correlated with an advanced level among students (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.22-4.76; p<0.01), and prior exposure was associated with an increased possibility of AI use (aOR=2.45; p=0.006). Conclusion: This study indicated that most pharmacy faculty, practitioners, and students in Saudi Arabia are familiar with AI to a degree. Furthermore, most hold positive attitudes toward AI and support its integration into education and professional development. Despite these promising viewpoints, they had multiple concerns regarding AI and obstacles to its adoption.

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