City Research Online

Abstract

Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform medical imaging and radiotherapy; both fields where radiographers' use of AI tools is increasing. This study aimed to explore the views of those professionals who are now using AI tools.

Methods
A small-scale exploratory research process was employed, where qualitative data was obtained from five UK-based participants; all professionals working in medical imaging and radiotherapy who use AI in clinical practice. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted online. Verbatim transcription was performed using an open-source automatic speech recognition model. Conceptual content analysis was performed to analyze the data and identify common themes.

Results
Participants spoke about the possibility of AI deskilling staff and changing their roles, they discussed issues around data protection and data sharing strategies, the important role of effective leadership of AI teams, and the seamless integration into workflows. Participants thought that the benefits of adopting AI were smoother clinical workflows, support for the workforce in decision-making, and enhanced patient safety/care. They also highlighted the need for tailored AI education/training, multidisciplinary teamwork and support.

Conclusion
Participants who are now using AI tools felt that clinical staff should be empowered to support AI implementation by adopting new and clearly defined roles and responsibilities. They suggest that attention to patient care and safety is a key to successful AI adoption. Despite the increasing adoption of AI, participants in the UK described a gap in knowledge with professionals still needing clear guidance, education and training regarding AI in preparation for more widespread adoption.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	©2024 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Publisher Keywords:	Artificial intelligence, AI, Governance, Medical imaging, Radiotherapy, Implementation
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics > QA75 Electronic computers. Computer science R Medicine > RC Internal medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Midwifery & Radiography
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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