The U.K. Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has published fresh advice on how to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis software within the radiology workflow during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The RCR said there are five standards:
- AI must be integrated in the reporting (RIS and PACS) workflow in such a way that it does not add extra burden to radiologists.
- The accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the AI algorithm must be clearly displayed for radiologists and others making decisions on patient management.
- AI findings must be communicated to RIS using existing, widely used, global technical standards (HL7).
- AI findings must be communicated to PACS using existing, widely used, global technical standards (DICOM).
- The workflow must be robust enough to ensure AI analysis must be complete and available on PACS before a human reporter starts image interpretation.
The guidance, which was posted on 8 April, also discusses issues related to AI-assisted image interpretation for radiologists, AI assisting emergency doctors, mitigating risks associated with AI adoption, and technology components and interoperability requirements.
"AI image preanalysis is likely to have a very positive impact on radiologists' future working lives if properly integrated into the reporting workflow," the RCR wrote.
