assessing the challenges for cardiologists in advancing research within artificial intelligence and digital health technologies in iran

Introductionthis study examines the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (ai) in cardiology, focusing on its unprecedented capacity to enhance diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic approaches, and patient management. cardiologists often encounter considerable difficulty engaging in ai research, from limited technical knowledge to restricted resources. this study seeks to identify these barriers and offer insights into bridging the gap from clinical practice to ai-driven innovation.materials and methodsthis cross-sectional survey assesses, through an online questionnaire, the challenges cardiologists face in ai research. seventy-two active cardiologists responded to questions about access to technology, training needs, and perspectives on ai. this study used an open-access questionnaire, enabling participation from all levels of cardiologists; from trainees to senior experts across demographics, aiming for a comprehensive view of the diverse challenges in ai applications in cardiology. questions were based on a literature review of previous studies, with references supporting each item. major focus areas included technical expertise, resource access, training needs, ai perception, and ethical and regulatory issues. data analysis in spss highlighted significant factors affecting cardiologists' involvement in ai research.resultsof the 72 cardiologists surveyed, 48% had prior research experience, with 46% citing daily duties as a moderate obstacle to ai research. only 26% felt adequately trained in ai, though 74% expressed a need for further education. additionally, 49% noted a shortage of ai specialists as a limiting factor. 59% reported moderate challenges in patient cooperation with research projects. administrative barriers in iran reduced motivation for research in 40% of respondents, while 62% highlighted limited collaboration with research centers and restricted access to international resources as significant obstacles.conclusion and discussionthis study identifies key barriers faced by iranian cardiologists in advancing research in ai and digital technologies. findings point to a serious need for targeted ai training, with only 26% feeling adequately prepared despite high demand for more education. the shortage of ai specialists and persistent administrative barriers suggest systemic roots to these research challenges. these findings provide a broader perspective on integrating ai into cardiovascular research, emphasizing the need for specialized training and streamlined administrative support to foster innovation. addressing such barriers could increase interest in ai research, ultimately enhancing patient care. future research should focus on structured ai training for cardiologists and explore collaborative strategies to overcome administrative and resource limitations. a multi-regional study may offer a broader perspective on these challenges, potentially sparking global initiatives supporting ai integration in cardiovascular research.