Adoption of artificial intelligence outpaces training in field epidemiology programs

Share Copied to clipboard A new study found that two-thirds of epidemiologists in specialized training programs used artificial intelligence (AI) in their work, despite only one in five having received AI training and one-quarter expressing ethical concerns about accuracy and bias. For the study.

The survey consisted of 20 open- and closed-ended questions written in a neutral tone to reduce response bias. The respondents hailed from Canada, Europe, and the United States.

What Happened

FETPs are specialized programs that train participants to develop technical capabilities in applied epidemiology and improve their professional judgment and ability to communicate information. Use difference was not statistically significant between first- and second-year fellows.

• Among the 105 respondents, 66% said they use AI in their field epidemiology work.

• AI adoption was highest among fellows in the European program (32 of 36 [89%]), compared with 30 of 56 (54%) in the US program and seven of 13 (54%) in the Canadian program.

• Among AI users, 42% said they use the technology weekly, 30% said they use it daily, and 26% reported using it occasionally.

Key Details

Qualitative responses suggested that AI generally improved coding efficiency. Respondents also said AI helped improve writing quality and efficiency, as well as streamline routine administrative tasks, such as writing meeting minutes and organizing project timelines.

• Most reported feeling either somewhat comfortable (49%) or comfortable (35%) using AI, while 12% reported feeling very comfortable, and 4% reported feeling uncomfortable.

• ChatGPT was by far the most commonly used platform (87%), followed by institution-specific AI tools (25%).

• The most common applications of AI were troubleshooting coding errors (91%), writing code (75%), and improving work efficiencies (42%).

Why It Matters

Some said AI helped them better understand new topics, conduct background research, and summarize information. Common concerns included technical limitations, limited access to AI tools, uncertainty about institutional rules governing AI use, and questions about the accuracy and reproducibility of AI-generated content.

• At the same time, 41% of AI users reported barriers to adopting the new technology.

• Newborns immunized against RSV also had a 36% lower risk of infection with a life-threatening illness called invasive pneumococcal disease.

What Reports Say

Coverage of the story so far points to:

• Continued reporting by CIDRAP as more details emerge