Exploring Perceptions and Experiences of ChatGPT in Medical Education: A Qualitative Study Among Medical College Faculty and Students in Saudi Arabia

Background With the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, there is a growing interest in the potential use of AI-based tools like ChatGPT in medical education. However, there is limited research on the perceptions and experiences of faculty and students with ChatGPT, particularly in Saudi Arabia. Objective This study aimed to explore the knowledge, perceived benefits, concerns, and limitations of using ChatGPT in medical education, among faculty and students at a leading Saudi Arabian university. Methods A qualitative study was conducted, involving focused meetings with medical faculty and students with varying levels of ChatGPT experience. A thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and subthemes emerging from the discussions. Results Participants demonstrated good knowledge of ChatGPT and its functions. The main themes were: ([1][1]) knowledge and perception of ChatGPT, and ([2][2]) roles of ChatGPT in research and medical education. The perceived benefits included collecting and summarizing information and saving time and effort. However, concerns and limitations centered around the potential lack of critical thinking in the information provided, the ambiguity of references, limitations of access, trust in the output of ChatGPT, and ethical concerns. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the perceptions and experiences of medical faculty and students regarding the use of ChatGPT in medical education. While the benefits of ChatGPT were recognized, participants also expressed concerns and limitations requiring further studies for effective integration into medical education, exploring the impact of ChatGPT on learning outcomes, student and faculty satisfaction, and the development of critical thinking skills. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. ### Funding Statement This study did not receive any funding ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board at the College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Ref. No. 23/0155/IRB) I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the corresponding author [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2