Artificial intelligence education for radiographers, an evaluation of a UK postgraduate educational intervention using participatory action research: a pilot study

Abstract

Background Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled applications are increasingly being used in providing healthcare services, such as medical imaging support. Sufficient and appropriate education for medical imaging professionals is required for successful AI adoption. Although, currently, there are AI training programmes for radiologists, formal AI education for radiographers is lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and discuss a postgraduate-level module on AI developed in the UK for radiographers. Methodology A participatory action research methodology was applied, with participants recruited from the first cohort of students enrolled in this module and faculty members. Data were collected using online, semi-structured, individual interviews and focus group discussions. Textual data were processed using data-driven thematic analysis. Results Seven students and six faculty members participated in this evaluation. Results can be summarised in the following four themes: a. participants’ professional and educational backgrounds influenced their experiences, b. participants found the learning experience meaningful concerning module design, organisation, and pedagogical approaches, c. some module design and delivery aspects were identified as barriers to learning, and d. participants suggested how the ideal AI course could look like based on their experiences. Conclusions The findings of our work show that an AI module can assist educators/academics in developing similar AI education provisions for radiographers and other medical imaging and radiation sciences professionals. A blended learning delivery format, combined with customisable and contextualised content, using an interprofessional faculty approach is recommended for future similar courses.

Perspectives of Medical Imaging Professionals about the Impact of AI on Swiss Radiographers

“…Similar programmes have now started to begin in Europe for radiographers [7]. This aligns with The Society and College of Radiographers guidance for AI [30,31] and recommendations available in the literature [32], showing a tendency in Switzerland to evolve in this direction.…”

“…Through the amalgamation of AI and advanced MI methods, healthcare professionals can now provide more precise diagnoses and significantly improve patients' outcomes by adapting medicine to the patients' needs [4][5][6]. Healthcare information technology (IT) systems with AI technology hold promise to reduce personnel burden in healthcare institutions, by streamlining workflows and allocating resources more effectively and efficiently [6][7][8][9].…”

“…This change also means the radiographer's role needs to be adapted and, consequently, with support of education and training to be better integrated in the transformed clinical practice. Recent studies [7,13] have reported the perspectives and attitudes of radiographers with regards to the integration of AI in medical imaging practice and education in other countries. Results showed a positive attitude but with concerns due to the lack of understanding of AI technologies and AI training, which can lead to insecurity in their workplace or even resistance to the implementation of these new technologies.…”

Artificial Intelligence in radiography education: A scoping review protocol. (Preprint)

“…The term Artificial Intelligence (AI) was first introduced in 1955 [1] and pertains to the capability of computer systems to execute tasks typically associated with human intelligence [2] such as decisionmaking, problem-solving, and learning [3]. AI was first used in medicine in the 1970s [4] and has experienced exponential growth in health care due to advancements in science and technology [5].…”

دور الذكاء الاصطناعي والتعليم المخصص في المناهج الطبية: دراسة مراجعة منهجية للتطبيقات والتحديات.

“…They mentioned that remote ECG monitoring with Kardia in ambulatory patients is more likely to identify atrial fibrillation than routine care. Apple Watch (series 4) also is a kind of technology; which allows for easy acquirement of ECG and detection of atrial fibrillation that can be shared with the practitioner of choice through a smartphone, that's why it should be a part of their clinical practice that emerged from the medical curriculum (Turakhia, 2019).…”