An extensive survey of radiographers from the Middle East and India on artificial intelligence integration in radiology practice

Assessing the current Artificial intelligence (AI) situation is a crucial step towards its implementation into radiology practice. The study aimed to assess radiographer willingness to accept AI in radiology work practice and the impact of AI in work performance. An exploratory cross-sectional online survey conducted for radiographers working within the Middle East and India was conducted from May-August 2020. A previously validated survey used to obtain radiographer's demographics, knowledge, perceptions, organization readiness, and challenges of integrating AI into radiology. The survey was accessible for radiographers and distributed through the societies page. The survey was completed by 549 radiographers distributed as (77.6%, n = 426) from the Middle East while (22.4%, n = 123) from India. A majority (86%, n = 773) agreed that AI currently plays an important role in radiology and (88.0%, n = 483) expected that AI would play a role in radiology practice and image production. The challenges for AI implementation in practice were developing AI skills (42.8%, n = 235) and AI knowledge development (37.0%, n = 203). Participants showed high interest to integrate AI in under and postgraduate curriculum. There is excitement about what AI could offer, but education input is a requirement. Fears are expressed about job security and how radiology may work across all ages and educational backgrounds. Radiographers become aware of AI role and challenges, which can be improved by education and training.