Transforming towards AI-augmented Healthcare: Experiences of physicians in Sweden

Recent advancements in connectivity and automation driven by artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to trans-formative changes in the healthcare sector. This study investigates physicians' experience of AI-based technologies in healthcare. To achieve this objective, we gathered responses through open-ended essays from 326 physicians working in Swedish healthcare. These respondents have experience in using AI technologies for distinct tasks, which include prediction, diagnosis, medical image analysis, text generation, analysis, chatbots, wearable devices, telemedicine and robot assistance. The data was analyzed by thematic coding. The findings show that the physicians' perception towards use of AI in healthcare is influenced by drivers and barriers that are present at macro, organizational, system and personal level. The identified drivers include work task changes, functional aspects, organizational aspects, system characteristics and personal motivators. The barriers include legal and ethical dilemma, organizational readiness, system limitations and personal demotivators. This study leverages paradox theory as a framework to deepen the understanding of the complexities and interconnections between perceived barriers and potential solutions related to AI in healthcare as a contribution to the literature. © 2025 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.