Vienna, Austria – January 22, 2024 — In a collaborative effort aimed at providing comprehensive insights into the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in radiology, five leading radiology societies have published a groundbreaking joint paper addressing the potential challenges and ethical concerns related to this new technology. “Developing, Purchasing, Implementing and Monitoring AI Tools in Radiology: Practical Considerations” was released by the American College of Radiology (ACR), Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR), European Society of Radiology (ESR), Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR), and Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) via the ESR’s online gold open access journal Insights into Imaging.
The paper underscores the dual impact of AI, presenting both revolutionary advances in healthcare practices and the imperative need for critical evaluation to distinguish between safe and potentially harmful AI tools. The key points emphasise the necessity for increased monitoring of AI utility and safety, advocating for collaboration among developers, clinicians, and regulators to navigate ethical concerns and ensure responsible AI integration into radiological practice. In addition, the statement also provides valuable insights for stakeholders, offering guidelines on evaluating stability, safety, and autonomous functionality, making it an indispensable resource for the development and implementation of AI in radiology.
Speaking about the paper, Lead Author and Chair of the ESR Board of Directors, Prof. Adrian Brady stated, “This paper is critical in ensuring that radiologists can define, enhance and safeguard the future of medical imaging. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our field, it brings both tremendous potential and challenges. By addressing practical issues, ethical concerns, and safety considerations, we aim to guide the development and implementation of AI tools in radiology. This paper is not just a statement; it is a commitment to ensuring the responsible and effective use of AI for the betterment of patient care. It sets the stage for a new era in radiology, where innovation is balanced with ethical considerations, and patient outcomes remain our top priority.”
The collaborative effort demonstrated by the five societies signifies a united commitment to advancing the field of radiology and ensuring the responsible integration of AI technologies.
You can access the paper here.