The majority of radiology trainees have expressed interest in furthering their knowledge of artificial intelligence applications in the field, yet few are offered the opportunity to do so during the course of their education, according to new survey data [1].
Results from the survey were published on Jan. 19 in Clinical Radiology. The responses signal that nearly all of the 149 radiology trainee participants believe that AI training should be included in their curriculum, yet only one respondent indicated that their program had implemented any sort of AI material.
Understanding the trainees’ opinions is important, authors of the study noted, because their careers in the field will inevitably be impacted by AI at some point.
“Current UK radiology trainees will most likely be impacted by AI in their practice, and it will be important to prepare trainees adequately for their future careers,” corresponding author O.-U. Hashmi, of the East of England Imaging Academy at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital in the United Kingdom, and co-authors wrote. “Understanding their views could help guide the implementation of AI teaching in UK radiology training programs, which could have a significant influence on the successful implementation of AI in radiology.”
More than 80% of the survey respondents were interested in how AI is used in radiology, but less than 30% had any experience with the technology at all. Almost all respondents—98.7%—suggested that AI training should be a standard part of radiology residency and 79.9% were enthusiastic about participating in AI-based projects.
The data did reveal some concerns among trainees, mostly pertaining to implementation and ethical/regulatory issues, but nearly 75% felt optimistic about how AI could enhance the field of radiology in the future.
Experts involved in the work suggested that while there was no lack of interest in AI among the respondents, there was a lack of opportunities for the trainees to engage with the technology. Insight from the survey responses could, however, be used to change this by integrating initiatives catered to when and how trainees would benefit the most from additional AI education, the authors noted.
The study abstract is available 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.