With the use of artificial intelligence in radiology gaining momentum daily, experts are suggesting implementing an AI literacy course to increase understanding of the technology and its numerous applications.
Such a course was recently incorporated into clinical curriculum at nine radiology residency programs in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic United States with great success, according to a new paper published in Academic Radiology. In the paper, experts reported that nearly 80% of program's participants expressed interest in continuing their knowledge of AI in radiology.
“Just as prior inventions such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have revolutionized medicine, and digital advancements in the electronic medical records, picture archiving and communication system, and the radiology information system have substantially improved efficiency and the quality of care, AI will likely be the field's next generation defining breakthrough,” corresponding author J.D. Perchik, MD, of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and co-authors wrote.
While the integration of AI on some level into routine medical imaging practice has already occurred at numerous institutions, many radiology residents have reported feeling inadequately informed of its applications. For example, 96.7% of residents from the nine programs included in this latest research reported a lack of sufficient exposure to AI during their training.
To overcome this limitation, experts developed a week-long AI in radiology course to introduce residents to a multitude of basic AI concepts and applications, including subject matter pertaining to subspecialty uses, economics, ethics, algorithm bias and medicolegal implications of AI. The course included ten 30-minute remote lectures and an in-person hands-on session that allowed participants to work directly with an FDA cleared AI device.
Pre- and post-course surveys completed by the participants indicated that the program was successful. AI knowledge evaluation scores increased from 8.3/15 prior to the course to 10.1/15 following its completion, and 78.6% of participants suggested that they would be interested in completing a similar program in the future to expand upon their AI education.
“There is a need for AI education in radiology training, and the AI Literacy Course represents a viable example of how remote learning can lower some barriers to AI education,” the authors wrote.
Another benefit of the course’s remote format was the ability to recruit a diverse group of speakers who could lecture from multiple institutions on their experiences with AI. The authors suggested that this format allows for programs without current AI infrastructure to grow in their knowledge of AI applications.
To learn more about the program, click here.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She joined Innovate Healthcare in 2021 and has since put her unique expertise to use in her editorial role with Health Imaging.