GI Patients Open to AI but Want Doctors in the Driver's Seat

Gastroenterology patients support AI as an assistive tool but prioritize physician oversight and transparency.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 10:19am

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A survey-based study of 230 adult gastroenterology (GI) patients in the US and Canada found that while they generally support AI as an assistive tool in GI care, they prioritize physician oversight and transparency, with 93% saying the physician should retain final decision-making authority. The study also found that knowledge of and trust in AI varied by demographic factors such as age, sex, region, employment status, and levels of education and income.

Why it matters

As GI is one of the most AI-ready specialties, with much of the work being image- or video-based, understanding patient attitudes towards AI is crucial for its equitable adoption in clinical practice. The study highlights the need to address knowledge gaps and demographic disparities to ensure patients feel comfortable with AI as a supportive tool in their care.

The details

The study, led by gastroenterologist Vinay Jahagirdar, MD, of Virginia Commonwealth University, found that a majority of GI patients reported either very little (28%) or a little (31%) familiarity with AI. Greater AI knowledge was associated with male sex, younger age, employed status, and higher education and income levels. Trust in AI was moderate, with 30% expressing 'quite a bit' or 'strong' trust, and 60% expressing concern about AI's reliability in clinical decision-making. Trust levels also varied significantly by region and employment status.

  • The survey-based study was conducted in 2026.

The players

Vinay Jahagirdar

A gastroenterologist at the Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, who led the research study.

Cadman L. Leggett

A gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, who provided a nonparticipant's perspective on the research.

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What they’re saying

“Explain that it may highlight findings or provide a second set of eyes, but the physician makes the final decision.”

— Vinay Jahagirdar, Gastroenterologist

“Reassurance and clarity matter: About 74% of respondents stressed the importance of being informed of AI use.”

— Vinay Jahagirdar, Gastroenterologist

“Standardize an AI disclosure line in consent/workflows, emphasize clinician responsibility, and provide brief patient-facing education to support equitable adoption across different ages, education levels, and trust baselines.”

— Vinay Jahagirdar, Gastroenterologist

“They expect us to use AI algorithms along with other technologies. It's just part of technology in medicine, and I haven't noticed much skepticism or hesitancy.”

— Cadman L. Leggett, Gastroenterologist

“But our patients are aware that a lot goes into de-identifying and safeguarding their private information.”

— Cadman L. Leggett, Gastroenterologist

What’s next

The researchers plan to further investigate patient attitudes towards AI in GI care, focusing on addressing knowledge gaps and demographic disparities to ensure equitable adoption of this technology.

The takeaway

While GI patients are generally open to AI as an assistive tool, they want to maintain physician oversight and transparency in its use. Addressing patient concerns around reliability, privacy, and cost, and providing clear communication about AI's role in their care, will be crucial for the successful integration of this technology in gastroenterology.