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Abstract

Background Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare, including pharmacy practice, by enhancing access to information, reducing errors, and supporting decision-making. However, its integration into pharmacy education remains underexplored. This study investigated pharmacy students' perceptions of AI's impact on their profession and the need for curriculum reform. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) students from Jamia Hamdard, India. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering knowledge, perceptions, and opinions on AI in pharmacy. Responses were analyzed using non-parametric tests, including the Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests, to examine group differences. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified dimensions of perceptions. Results Most students (89.8%) believed AI could enhance healthcare professionals' access to information, while 78% noted improved patient service access. However, 60.5% expressed concerns about AI diminishing humanistic aspects of pharmacy. Ethical challenges, such as data confidentiality breaches, were highlighted by 37.2% of respondents. A significant proportion (80%) supported incorporating AI-related knowledge and skills into the pharmacy curriculum. Differences in perception scores were observed across academic years, reflecting evolving views with exposure to education. Conclusions A significant proportion of students demonstrated favorable perceptions regarding the concepts and advantages of AI. Additionally, the majority emphasized the necessity of revising the pharmacy curriculum to better align with the evolving landscape. Such updates should focus on empowering BPharm students with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize AI applications while safeguarding professional values and ensuring ethical practices are upheld.

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