The Necessity of Education in Response to Technological Advancements and Future Environmental Changes: A Comparison of Korean Medicine Doctors and Students

Objectives: The medical field is rapidly evolving with AI and digital technologies like AI-based X-ray analysis and digital therapeutics gaining approval. Telemedicine is becoming prominent, and medical schools are adapting by integrating AI education. Pusan National University leads a talent training project for AI in health. Korean Medicine is incorporating AI with diagnostic systems and chatbots. However, there's a lack of research on education awareness in Korean Medicine Colleges. The study aims to assess opinions on integrating AI, digital therapeutics, and DNA test into the Korean medicine college curriculum for improved education. Methods: We selected appropriate four specific areas: artificial intelligence in medicine, digital therapeutics, DNA test, and telemedicine. The questionnaire developed for this study underwent expert evaluation and was subsequently administered to registered KMDs of the Association of Korean Medicine, as well as students from 12 Korean Medicine universities. The survey was designed to analyze the awareness and perceived importance of the 4 areas. Results: Both KMDs and Korean medicine students exhibited comparable awareness levels across the four objectives. Notably, both groups identified a high educational necessity and importance of artificial intelligence in medicine for clinical settings. Statistically significant differences were observed between KMDs and students in their perspectives on the importance of telemedicine and DNA test in the Korean medicine field, the educational necessity of DNA test within Korean medicine universities, and the need for comprehension of regulations related to digital therapeutics. Conclusion: The survey of Korean medicine professionals and students underscores a strong understanding of key areas such as Telemedicine, medical AI, DNA test, and digital therapeutics. Medical AI is identified as crucial for future education. There's a consensus on the need for curriculum changes in Korean medicine schools, particularly in adapting to evolving healthcare trends. The focus should be on practical clinical application, with a call for additional research to better integrate student and practitioner perspectives in future curriculum reform discussions.