Comparative Analysis of Knowledge, Usage, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students and Faculty Over Two Years

Authors

• Qing Zhang, Hawaii Pacific UniversityFollow
• Heather David, Hawaii Pacific UniversityFollow
• Brandy Schwarz, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort WorthFollow
• Kristen Johnson, Hawaii Pacific UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: AI chatbots (AIC) are increasingly integrated into healthcare education, yet research on DPT faculty and student perceptions remains limited. This study compared knowledge, usage, perceptions, and attitudes (KUPA) toward AIC between DPT faculty and students and examined how these changed from 2023 to 2024. Method: A repeated cross-sectional survey was administered to two consecutive first-year DPT student cohorts and core and associate faculty at one DPT program. A 20-item survey was used, incorporating items adapted from validated instruments and researcher-developed questions, using a five-point Likert scale. Results: Participation rates were 41.5% (n=62) in Year 1 and 39.1% (n=69) in Year 2. AIC self-identification increased dramatically from 19.3% to 69.5% across years. Faculty-student differences were minimal overall, except students reported greater perceived ease of use in Year 2 (p < 0.05). Statistically significant improvements were observed across all knowledge and usage items between 2023 and 2024 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: AIC acceptance is rapidly increasing among DPT faculty and students. Findings highlight the need for structured faculty development in AI literacy and ethical use to support effective curricular integration.

Author Bio(s)

Qing Zhang, PT, DPT, is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate College of Health Sciences in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Hawai’i Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is also a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Heather M. David, PT, MPT, EdD, is an Assistant Professor in the Graduate College of Health Sciences in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Hawai’i Pacific University in Honolulu, Hawaii. She lives in San Diego and is a Board-Certified Clinical Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Brandy Schwarz, PT, DPT, MOT, EdD is an Associate Professor and Director of Academic Education for the College of Health Professions in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. She is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.

Kristen Johnson, PT, MSPT, EdD, is the Assistant Dean of Curriculum for the Graduate College of Health Sciences and serves as the Director of Curriculum and Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at Hawai’i Pacific University. Also, she is a Board-Certified Specialist in Neurologic Physical Therapy.

Recommended Citation

Zhang Q, David H, Schwarz B, Johnson K. Comparative Analysis of Knowledge, Usage, Perceptions, and Attitudes Toward Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Among Doctor of Physical Therapy Students and Faculty Over Two Years. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2026 Sep 01;24(3), Article 4.