Perceptions of Doctors in Saudi Arabia Toward Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Applications in Healthcare

BackgroundSeveral studies suggested that artificial intelligence (AI), including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), may help improve visualization, diagnostic, and therapeutic abilities and reduce medical and surgical errors. These technologies have been revolutionary in Saudi Arabia. We aimed to elucidate physicians' perceptions toward these technologies.MethodologyWe carried out a cross-sectional electronic questionnaire-based study in November 2021. The study targeted doctors of different medical and surgical specialties in the western region of Saudi Arabia.ResultsIn our study, 53.2% of the participants were 25-30 years old. Most participants were residents (53.6%) with career experiences <5 years. Only 32.3% had a good familiarity with AR and VR technologies. However, 64.5% agreed that AR and VR technologies had practical applications in the medical field. Moreover, 35% agreed that the diagnostic and therapeutic ability was superior to the clinical experience of a human doctor. About 41.4% agreed they would always use AR and VR technologies for future medical decisions.ConclusionDoctors are open to using AR and VR technologies in healthcare. Although most people are unfamiliar with these technologies, most agree that they positively impact healthcare.