Artificial intelligence and the radiographer

ISRRT and EFRS joint statement

Published: 14 May 2020 Advanced practitioners

A guest editorial in Radiography journal has set out the artificial intelligence position of two key international radiography bodies.

The International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies (EFRS)joint statement provides guidance for national societies, healthcare providers, educationalists, regulators, and individuals.

“Adoption of AI in medical imaging and radiation therapy requires radiographers and radiological technologists to adapt their imaging and treatment practices to ensure new technology is being implemented, used and regulated appropriately,” the ISRRT and EFRS statement says.

“It is of critical importance that radiographers and radiological technologists, as medical imaging and radiotherapy experts, play an active role in the planning, development, implementation, use and validation of AI applications in medical imaging and radiation therapy.”

The uses for AI in radiography and the role of the radiographer in optimising the use of AI are laid out, alongside essential recommendations.

The position statement concludes, “The optimal integration of AI into clinical imaging and radiation therapy can only be achieved safely through appropriate education of the current and future workforce and the active engagement of radiographers and radiologic technologists in AI advancements going forwards.”

A joint working group was established by the EFRS and the ISRRT in May 2019 to explore the impact that artificial intelligence may have on the radiography profession.

Two radiographers from the UK were invited to represent the EFRS: Dr Nick Woznitza co-chaired the working group and Professor Maryann Hardy contributed as a member of the group.

Artificial Intelligence and the Radiographer/Radiological Technologist Profession: A joint statement of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists and the European Federation of Radiographer Societies.