Abstract

Background: The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine is increasingly prevalent; however, evidence regarding patient perspectives and attitudes in the field of dermatology in Vietnam remains limited. We aimed to describe patients’ perspectives and attitudes toward the use of AI in dermatologic care.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 613 patients aged 18 years or older who were attending dermatology services at several specialized dermatology specialty facilities in Hue City between August 2025 and November 2025.

Results: The mean age of participants was 39.5±18.4 years; 54.2% were female; 41.8% had previously used AI tools and 22.7% had used AI specifically for dermatological care. Compared to those who had used AI but not in a dermatological context, patients who had applied AI in dermatological care demonstrated more positive attitudes (p=0.013), greater AI self-confidence (p<0.001), and more effective use of AI tools (p<0.001); held more favorable views regarding AI's potential to reduce treatment costs (p = 0.022) and expand access to services in remote areas (p=0.006); more strongly opposed the notion that AI could fully replace dermatologists (p=0.009); and showed greater awareness of the need for digital health education programs for patients (p=0.016).

Conclusions: Patients expressed positive attitudes and desired AI to be integrated as a supportive tool for physicians in dermatological care. The implementation of AI should be accompanied by digital health literacy programs and equitable access to technology to optimize patient benefits.