"A modest investment in AI research will improve patient outcomes and promote better access to quality care"
OTTAWA, July 23, 2018 /CNW/ - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining momentum within Canadian healthcare, specifically in the field of medical imaging. Although in the research phase, AI in radiology is of growing interest to the medical community and to patients across the country.
A recent poll conducted by Nanos revealed that an overwhelming 83% of Canadians would support research in the use of AI in radiology in Canada. Working in collaboration with a panel of experts, the Canadian Association of Radiologists (CAR) is taking a leadership position in AI and has written a White Paper, which describes ways in which this technology may be used to improve the delivery of patient care and overall population health.
Harnessing AI for radiology will enable researchers and radiologists to find patterns in complex data within medical images. AI can pick up on subtle patterns that are beyond the threshold of human detection, enabling the detection of new information. AI can better inform clinical decision referrals through computer-assisted reporting which will decrease unnecessary variation in reports. This technology complements the work of radiologists by enhancing their productivity and managing workflow, while improving patient outcomes.
Dr. An Tang, Université de Montréal and Chair of the CAR Artificial Intelligence Advisory Group believes that "Over the next decade, AI in radiology will significantly improve the quality, value, and depth of radiology's contribution to patient care and population health." Further "the radiological community should prepare for automation of certain image interpretation tasks that will transform patient care in a positive way" says Dr. Tang.
The CAR President, Dr. Emil Lee states "as additional research is conducted on AI and we move into the implementation phase, there will be a stronger focus on health informatics and computer science in radiology curriculums."
As the leading voice of radiologists in Canada, the CAR maintains that it is paramount to involve patients, radiologists, physicians, imaging technologists, hospital administrators, regulatory bodies as well as industry and academic partners in the implementation of AI in radiology.
The CAR is encouraging the federal government to take an active role in setting standards for AI while addressing regulatory and legal issues that accompany the use of AI in medicine. "A modest investment from government in AI research will have a significant gain in improving patient outcomes and ultimately make medical imaging more accessible for Canadians" says Dr. Lee.
While AI will benefit radiologist workflow and better promote quality assurance, the ultimate goal is to ensure Canadians have access to the best care possible.
To read the White Paper on Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: https://www.carjonline.org/article/S0846-5371(18)30030-5/pdf
SOURCE Canadian Association of Radiologists
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