Health Professional Students’ Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence During Clinical Placements: Cross-Sectional Online Survey Study

Abstract BackgroundGenerative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly expanding in higher education and clinical practice. However, its use during clinical placements, where cognitive demands and responsibility for patient care increase, remains insufficiently documented. ObjectiveThis study aimed to characterize self-reported GenAI use during clinical placements, perceived benefits and risks, and related training and governance needs. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional online survey at a French university (July 17 to September 30, 2025). Eligible participants were students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, midwifery, or physiotherapy who were currently in, or had completed within the past 18 months, a clinical placement. A 61-item questionnaire (comprising closed- and open-ended items) assessed GenAI use, task patterns, perceived benefits or risks, and training or governance needs. A composite index classified self-perceived GenAI maturity as minimal, limited, moderate, or high. Group comparisons used χ2 ResultsA total of 388 students responded (n=308, 79.4% women), mainly nursing students (n=217, 55.9%). Overall, 204 (52.6%) students reported using GenAI during clinical placements. Use differed across disciplines (χ24PP ConclusionsGenAI is already used by a substantial proportion of French students in health professions during clinical placements, predominantly for information and documentation support rather than patient-facing activities. Self-perceived readiness is strongly associated with adoption. Reported disclosures and concurrent concerns about dependency, skill erosion, and confidentiality support the need for structured curricula and clear governance frameworks to enable responsible, patient-centered integration of GenAI into clinical education.