Awareness and Perception of Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostic Imaging: A Cross-Speciality Survey of Indian Medical Practitioners.
Authors
Affiliations (6)
Affiliations (6)
- Department of Medical Imaging Technology, Bapubhai Desaibhai Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, Anand, Gujarat, India.
- Department of Radio Imaging Technology, School of Allied Health Sciences (SAHS), Shri Guru Gobind Singh Tricentenary University (SGT), Gurugram, India.
- Department of Medical Imaging Technology, Dharamsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.
- Department of Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Rayat Bahra University, Kharar, Punjab, India.
- Department of Medical Radiology & Imaging Technology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University) Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India.
- American Institute of Medical Sciences and Education, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA.
Abstract
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the rapidly evolving areas of diagnostic imaging; however, the extent to which medical professionals are willing to apply these tools to routine care in India has not been thoroughly researched. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study that evaluated awareness, perceptions and perceived impact of AI among radiologists, orthopaedic surgeons and physicians practising in Gujarat. A questionnaire, designed according to Scheetz et al., was completed by 102 practitioners in a structured manner. Frequency distributions, percentage analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. It was also found that 88.2% were aware of AI, with only 47.1% identifying their knowledge as average, and 13.7% as above average. Although AI is not used regularly, 52.9% reported never using AI. Most respondents had a favourable view of AI: 66.7% indicated willingness to implement AI-supported clinical workflow, and 60.8% believed AI would positively affect their area. The issues raised were data security (67.6%), less dependence on specialists (62.7%) and confidence in the black-box systems. Most of the respondents (64.7%) felt that AI would have a significant effect on clinical practice in the next 1-10 years. Radiologists expressed relatively more acceptance, and physicians expressed more concern with workforce implications. The results show that there is a significant interest, but unequal readiness, in the specialties. Enhancing AI-specific training and developing governance models can help make the safe and ethical adoption of AI-enabled diagnostic imaging.