Investigating the uptake of artificial intelligence in Malta’s public healthcare system : a public policy analysis

Abstract

The Government of Malta aims to develop a National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy. This is the point of departure upon which the study set out to answer: ‘What is the readiness for the uptake of AI in Malta’s public hospital service?’. This research exercise centres on the eventual user’s attitude towards the uptake of AI, as acceptance by intended users is an established, key factor in the success of IT adoption in healthcare. The investigation took place during the pre-adoption period of AI, focusing on 6 prevailing medical specialities of pathology, radiology, oncology, cardiology, dermatology and ophthalmology. This research is structured as a qualitative case study on the uptake of AI in Malta’s public hospitals, particularly; Mater Dei Hospital (MDH) and Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Center (SAMOC). The primary data collection took place during July and August 2019. This resulted in a total of 11 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders: 7 senior healthcare professionals, 3 senior administrative/IT staff members, and 1 expert. The analysis was carried out using an extended UTAUT model and presented as a thematic synthesis of pre-determined themes, i.e., ‘Knowledge’, ‘Attitudes and Belief’, ‘Use in Practice’. Whilst knowledge and perceptions varied across differing stakeholders, the overarching, favourable attitude towards AI is consistent with existing studies. Yet, despite the perception of AI as an enabling technology in healthcare, the facilitating conditions of Malta’s public hospitals are overwhelmingly perceived as a barrier to the uptake of AI. This study concludes by reflecting upon the existing gap between the state of AI hype and the state of Malta’s health institutions.