Chatbots in healthcare education: Insights into acceptance and usage among allied health students at Bayero University, Kano

Abstract

This study explores the acceptance and use of Chatbots, specifically ChatGPT, among Allied Health students at Bayero University, Kano. The aim is to identify the factors that influence the adoption of Chatbots in healthcare education and assess their potential effects on clinical decision-making, learning experiences, and research efficiency. Through the use of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). A survey conducted with 399 students indicated a high level of awareness (74.6%) and usage (77.6%) of ChatGPT, alongside significant trust in the information generated by Chatbots (88.8%) and their perceived usefulness (92.9%). Key factors driving adoption include perceived usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and resource availability, consistent with the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The findings suggest that AI-driven tools could significantly transform healthcare education while underscoring the necessity for critical evaluation skills and appropriate guidelines. This research adds to the expanding literature on the integration of AI in healthcare education and offers insights for developing effective training programs and support systems tailored to students' needs in the context of emerging AI technologies.