The current state of knowledge on imaging informatics: a survey among Spanish radiologists

Abstract

Background There is growing concern about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on radiology and the future of the profession. The aim of this study is to evaluate general knowledge and concerns about trends on imaging informatics among radiologists working in Spain (residents and attending physicians). For this purpose, an online survey among radiologists working in Spain was conducted with questions related to: knowledge about terminology and technologies, need for a regulated academic training on AI and concerns about the implications of the use of these technologies. Results A total of 223 radiologists answered the survey, of whom 76.7% were attending physicians and 23.3% residents. General terms such as AI and algorithm had been heard of or read in at least 75.8% and 57.4% of the cases, respectively, while more specific terms were scarcely known. All the respondents consider that they should pursue academic training in medical informatics and new technologies, and 92.9% of them reckon this preparation should be incorporated in the training program of the specialty. Patient safety was found to be the main concern for 54.2% of the respondents. Job loss was not seen as a peril by 45.7% of the participants. Conclusions Although there is a lack of knowledge about AI among Spanish radiologists, there is a will to explore such topics and a general belief that radiologists should be trained in these matters. Based on the results, a consensus is needed to change the current training curriculum to better prepare future radiologists.

The Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Digital Radiology in the Scientific Literature: A Narrative Review of Reviews

“…If we compare what emerges from the overview of reviews with the dedicated studies based on full scientific articles of 2021–2022 [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ], it emerges that there is a coincidence of issues, such as the problem of barriers and critical issues of the issues [ 10 ] in relation to the introduction of AI in the health domain, the need for a federative approach [ 11 ], the importance of ethical aspects [ 16 ], and the interest in local situations as in [ 13 , 16 ].…”

“…There are studies, for example, on regulations in Korea [ 13 ], or studies on regulations in Australia and New Zeland [ 16 ], that have not been taken into consideration, preferring a discussion and analysis on the realities in Canada, Europe, and the USA.…”

“…The need to overcome an analysis of regulatory realities with a patchy approach emerges strongly from this comparison with the studies based on full scientific articles [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ] but also from the survey reported above of some government websites, where the regulatory approach is described [ 43 , 44 ] also with reference to ethics [ 45 , 46 ].…”

“…In the last 2 years (2021–2022), there are 16 contributions including 8 reviews. The contributions based on full scientific articles [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ] dealt with various issues related to the regulations ranging from barriers for the radiologist [ 10 ], to the knowledge of this figure through surveys [ 13 ], to local experiences [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ], to the implication of ethics [ 14 ], and the importance of federative activities [ 11 ]. Nair et al [ 10 ] highlighted that there are barriers that radiologists should be aware of prior to implementing Artificial Intelligence in daily practice.…”

“…Yy et al [ 12 ] reported the regulatory approach proposed in their country, Korea. Eiroa et al [ 13 ] focused on Spain and reported on an experience-based survey of radiologists, where regulation was among the topics. They concluded that, although there is a lack of knowledge about AI among Spanish radiologists, there is a will to explore such topics and a general belief that radiologists should be trained in these matters.…”