Simple, standardised workflows: the foundation for AI in radiology

The digital age has resulted in significant advances in radiology, most notably in the form of artificial intelligence. As patient volumes increase due to an ageing population and a desire for faster diagnoses, departments face an urgent need for workflow standardisation, efficiency, and safety.

Radiology departments worldwide are dealing with an increasing number of patients. This increase is due to factors like population growth, ageing, improved living conditions, more efficient healthcare, and earlier detection of cancer. Furthermore, a lack of manpower around the world causes radiology departments to be overburdened, resulting in long wait times and a bottleneck in safe, efficient, and caring service.

This is where AI comes into play. AI has a significant impact on patient output and care, as most MRI, CT, and x-ray systems now include AI algorithms that enable radiographers to scan faster and with higher image quality, allowing for more patients to be seen and more time spent with them. However, incorporating AI into radiology workflows is not easy. Radiologists, radiographers, and all ancillary staff must adapt and learn to trust AI as a valuable aid rather than a replacement. This transition can be facilitated by simple standardised workflows that incorporate AI, thereby reducing fear of change and substitution.

Such workflows provide a structure to patient care, patient positioning, image acquisition, imaging processing, and exam reporting. They help ensure consistency and reduce variability, which is crucial in diagnostic accuracy. Templated workflows across various hospitals/clinics within the same group is also key as the amount of AI tools available can and will become a daunting task to manage.

Furthermore, radiologists require intuitive reporting and communication tools to convey findings to referring physicians and patients effectively. These tools should seamlessly integrate with templated workflows and AI systems, enabling a smooth transition from image acquisition to result delivery.

Addressing the shortage of skilled radiology staff is another concern that can be solved by these templated workflows. Radiologic technologists and radiologists are in high demand, but the supply is not keeping pace. As a result, radiology departments are increasingly relying on assistants and other support staff to perform patient-oriented tasks like positioning and safety screening without appropriate or intensive training and adjuncts.

To streamline workflow and maximise efficiency, it is imperative to simplify and standardise all tasks within the departments. Training programs and equipment should be designed with simplicity in mind, allowing assistants to quickly become proficient in their roles and fully able to support the radiographers and radiologists. This not only alleviates the burden on the radiology staff but also ensures that patient care remains of the highest quality.

Tools and equipment for enhanced patient care are essential for radiology departments, especially when dealing with critically ill or uncooperative patients. Advanced positioning aids and patient-friendly equipment can help ensure that imaging procedures are comfortable and efficient for the patient, reducing patient anxiety and improving the quality of the images obtained. Real-time feedback systems assist radiographers in obtaining optimal images on the first attempt, minimising the need for retakes, and reducing radiation exposure.

In conclusion, the radiology department of the future must embrace workflow standardisation, encompassing AI integration, and the adoption of the right tools to thrive in a healthcare landscape characterised by higher patient volumes and the need for quicker exams and processes.

Lead picture: Advanced positioning tools like the ProBelt by Pearl Technology make a key difference.

Contributed by Samuel Oliveira.

Samuel Oliveira is a passionate radiology professional, MRI safety officer, opinion leader and the founder of Everything MRI and of the London MRI Leads Group.

This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.