A recent survey conducted by the European Society of Radiology (ESR) explores radiology professionals' perspectives on artificial intelligence (AI), focusing on current use, perceived benefits and challenges, compared to a similar survey conducted in 2018. Of the 28,000 ESR members invited to participate, 572 (2%) responded. The results show increasing adoption of AI, with 48% actively using AI in clinical practice and a further 25% planning to do so. The impact of AI is most prominent in breast and oncology imaging, particularly in CT, mammography and MRI.
Patient acceptance of AI-only reports remains uncertain, with 48% of respondents believing that patients would not accept such reports. Radiologists are generally expected to take responsibility for AI results that influence clinical decisions, with 45% agreeing. There is a significant gap in knowledge of medical device regulations (MDR), as more than 70% of AI users said they were unfamiliar with these requirements, highlighting the need for regulatory education. Compared to the 2018 survey, radiologists' overall outlook on the impact of AI on professional opportunities has become slightly less optimistic, although current AI users and researchers have a more positive view.
Radiology staff' educational priorities have shifted towards understanding the regulatory and technical framework for AI, which supports safe and responsible integration into clinical practice. While AI tools are increasingly being adopted, wider acceptance depends on education, regulation and balanced implementation strategies to ensure both patient confidence and improved clinical workflows.
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Impact of AI on radiology: a EuroAIM/EuSoMII 2024 survey among members of the European Society of Radiology
Insights into Imaging, 2024
Abstract
In order to assess the perceptions and expectations of the radiology staff about artificial intelligence (AI), we conducted an online survey among ESR members (January–March 2024). It was designed considering that conducted in 2018, updated according to recent advancements and emerging topics, consisting of seven questions regarding demographics and professional background and 28 AI questions. Of 28,000 members contacted, 572 (2%) completed the survey. AI impact was predominantly expected on breast and oncologic imaging, primarily involving CT, mammography, and MRI, and in the detection of abnormalities in asymptomatic subjects. About half of responders did not foresee an impact of AI on job opportunities. For 273/572 respondents (48%), AI-only reports would not be accepted by patients; and 242/572 respondents (42%) think that the use of AI systems will not change the relationship between the radiological team and the patient. According to 255/572 respondents (45%), radiologists will take responsibility for any AI output that may influence clinical decision-making. Of 572 respondents, 274 (48%) are currently using AI, 153 (27%) are not, and 145 (25%) are planning to do so. In conclusion, ESR members declare familiarity with AI technologies, as well as recognition of their potential benefits and challenges. Compared to the 2018 survey, the perception of AI's impact on job opportunities is in general slightly less optimistic (more positive from AI users/researchers), while the radiologist’s responsibility for AI outputs is confirmed. The use of large language models is declared not only limited to research, highlighting the need for education in AI and its regulations.