RSNA and four other radiology societies from around the world have issued a joint statement on the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools in radiology. The statement was published today in RSNA’s journal, Radiology: Artificial Intelligence.
“AI tools are an essential part of radiology’s future,” says RSNA President Curtis P. Langlotz, MD, PhD. “RSNA is committed to supporting the responsible use of AI in medical imaging through all three pillars of its mission: education, research, and technological innovation.”
The document titled “Practical Considerations for AI Tools in Radiology” was jointly crafted by representatives from RSNA, the American College of Radiology, the Canadian Association of Radiologists, the European Society of Radiology, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.
“This statement from RSNA and other leading radiology societies provides important guidance for our profession,” says Charles E. Kahn Jr., M.D., M.S., editor of Radiology: Artificial Intelligence. “It identifies key concerns that must be addressed to develop, implement, and monitor AI systems for clinical practice.”
AI carries the potential for unprecedented disruption in radiology with the possibility of both positive and negative consequences, according to RSNA. The integration of AI in radiology could revolutionize healthcare practices by advancing diagnosis, quantification, and management of multiple medical conditions. However, with the expanding availability and capabilities of AI tools in radiology comes an increasing need to critically evaluate claims for AI’s utility and to differentiate safe product offerings from potentially harmful or fundamentally unhelpful ones, RSNA officials stress.
The multi‑society paper defines the potential practical problems and ethical issues surrounding the incorporation of AI into radiology practice. In addition to delineating the main points of concern that developers, regulators, and purchasers of AI tools should consider prior to their introduction into clinical practice, the statement also suggests methods to monitor the tools for stability and safety in clinical use, and to assess their suitability for possible autonomous function.
“This statement will serve as both a guide for practicing radiologists on how to safely and effectively implement and use the AI that’s available today, and a roadmap for developers and regulators on how to approach delivering improved AI for tomorrow,” says statement co-author John Mongan, MD, PhD, radiologist and vice chair of informatics in the Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging at the University of California, San Francisco, and chair of the RSNA Artificial Intelligence Committee.
The authors address several key issues surrounding the integration of AI into medical imaging workflow. They note that AI incorporation into clinical practice demands increased monitoring of its utility and safety. They also stress that cooperation between developers, clinicians, and regulators is critical, to allow all involved to address ethical issues and monitor AI performance.
To fulfill its promise of improving patient well-being, AI in healthcare must undergo rigorous evaluation at every stage, according to the RSNA. This statement from multiple societies offers guidance to developers, purchasers, and users of AI in radiology. It emphasizes the importance of addressing practical issues at every step, from conception to long-term integration in healthcare. The primary focus should always be on patient and societal safety and well-being, association officials say.
