As AI continues to be integrated into radiology, its use could also expose clinicians to both the short-term and long-term, according to an opinion published on July 30th. American College of Radiation Journal.
“The laws governing AI in the Department of Radiology have evolved and become unstable,” he wrote JD and PhD from the Washington University Health Systems and Population Health Department in Seattle. “Specially, radiology is the leader in adopting AI. AI may enhance patient care and optimize clinician workflows… may reduce burnout and increase clinician capabilities in more challenging cases.
Karwaki outlined three potential effects of AI uptake into radiology.
More lawsuits are likely to arise. New technologies such as AI often encourage medical malpractice claims and “create standard care as AI is embedded in standard care,” she noted. At this moment, during which case law and a “robust regulatory framework” are developing regarding the use of AI in radiology.AI may strengthen relationships among patient radiologists. “The patient-radiologist relationship can emerge more strongly by incorporating AI into the radiology workflow, and if communication opportunities increase, it could contribute to a decrease in the number of malpractice claims,” Karwaki explained.State legislative efforts will likely promote AI regulation. “The state has shown a strong interest in AI policy development,” she wrote. “Based on key regulators for clinicians and healthcare facilities, states have begun developing AI laws … (and) one of the focuses of the state’s bills that have been enacted is providing disclosure to patients with AI use.”
In any case, “early adopters of innovation, such as radiologists using AI workflow tools, may face relatively short-term risks of increased litigation over the use of these tools, but they may also enjoy opportunities to influence patient-radiologist relationships and the legislative effort surrounding AI use,” concludes Karwaki.
You can find the complete research here.
