Radiology Community Attitude in Saudi Arabia about the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Radiology.

Magbool Alelyani,Alamin Musa,Salem Alelyani,Hajar Almater,Sultan Alamri,Mohammed S. Alqahtani,Nada Alqahtani,Fay Alshahrani

doi:10.3390/healthcare9070834

Magbool Alelyani, Alamin Musa + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9070834

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Journal: Healthcare	Publication Date: Jul 1, 2021
Citations: 18	License type: CC BY 4.0

Affiliation: King Khalid University, Taif University

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence. The aim of this study is to assess the radiology community’s attitude in Saudi Arabia toward the applications of AI. Methods: Data for this study were collected using electronic questionnaires in 2019 and 2020. The study included a total of 714 participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics (version 25). Results: The majority of the participants (61.2%) had read or heard about the role of AI in radiology. We also found that radiologists had statistically different responses and tended to read more about AI compared to all other specialists. In addition, 82% of the participants thought that AI must be included in the curriculum of medical and allied health colleges, and 86% of the participants agreed that AI would be essential in the future. Even though human–machine interaction was considered to be one of the most important skills in the future, 89% of the participants thought that it would never replace radiologists. Conclusion: Because AI plays a vital role in radiology, it is important to ensure that radiologists and radiographers have at least a minimum understanding of the technology. Our finding shows an acceptable level of knowledge regarding AI technology and that AI applications should be included in the curriculum of the medical and health sciences colleges.

Highlights

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence [1]
This is consistent with the analysis by Gong et al, in which more than 90% of Canadian medical students accepted that AI would improve the potential of radiologists and make them more effective [15]
Because AI plays a role in image recognition and acquisition and improves the support tools for radiology decisions, it is important to ensure that radiologists and radiographers have at least a minimum understanding of the technology

Summary

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a broad, umbrella term that encompasses the theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks normally requiring human intelligence [1]. In several fields including healthcare, AI is moving quickly from an experimental phase to an implementation phase [2]. The word “AI” includes the sciences and innovations that use computers to simulate, expand, or even enhance human intelligence. In the best-case scenario, AI algorithms will provide an additional tool for radiologists, close to a “second pair of eyes”, giving an additional point of view on cases and improving competency and diagnostic reliability. This is the equivalent of a radiologist asking a colleague whom he or she trusts for a second point of view about a case [4]. Treatment practice and imaging should be enhanced with new technology, as high-quality practice and research will provide benefits to patients [5]

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