company news about AI in radiation protection: a potential game changer
AI in radiation protection: a potential game changer
Professor Mark McEntee
Image source: University College Cork
'There are a lot of papers on AI, but not in the area of radiation protection and AI,' he told delegates in Valencia, Spain. 'AI in radiation protection is in its infancy, but it could be a game changer.' The expert identified three pillars of AI in radiation protection: justification of x-ray examinations; optimization of the examinations; and dose limitation. McEntee encouraged AI companies to aim for the low hanging fruits in those three areas. For example, justification is virtually untouched, he said: 'You could prevent unjustified examinations by impeding those that are unnecessary. You might be surprised, but it happens a lot. Sometimes mistakes are made or, because results aren't available yet, doctors refer the patients again. The cumulative effect of dose to patient is something physicians should be worried about and it's a target for AI.'
AI could also help clinicians identify the correct examination to carry out. Some clinical decision-making tools already exist, but there is room for more, McEntee believes. Guidelines such as the American appropriateness criteria, the ESR iGuide or recommendations issued by the RANZC can help AI developers, but they are static resources that are not based on evidence, he explained. 'Information on justification is often based on the consensus of experts rather than well-designed controlled trials.'
Contact Person: Mrs. Helen Bo