TOPIC: Advances in Medical sciences

Title: Innovative Solutions for Healthcare Challenges: Artificial Intelligence in Medical

Imaging in Pakistan. A Cross-sectional study

Introduction:

In a broader sense, "artificial intelligence" describes the ability of computers to

automatically do tasks that would normally need human intellect.(1) Artificial intelligence
(AI) and deep learning has received vast interest recently in the field of radiology for the
great promise that it can provide to help in clinical decision making, ease time-consuming
processes, and improve capabilities of current equipment. Although there are nearly
endless examples of appealing uses of AI for medical imaging, there is a reasonable worry
about the reliability of these systems—particularly when they are used in a clinical setting.
(2) The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) in all sectors of medicine and, notably, in
radiology, is acquiring more and more important. Its breadth will revolutionise the manner
of medical practice, as well as the education paradigm for the future. In many
circumstances, the performance of health professionals will rely on the right
understanding and application of AI, which is predicted to contribute to the provision of
quality health care, based on precision medicine, thorough diagnosis and individualised
prognosis for the benefit of the patient. (3)

Study done in Pakistan A total of 351 participants participated in this study. 205(58.4%)
were females and 146(41.6%) were men. Of the 351 participants, 286(81.5%) were medical
students, 44(12.5%) were trainee doctors and 21(6.0%) were medical practitioners.
General acquaintance with AI among participants was average [Mean ± SD; 2.63±1.07]. As
for the familiarity with the function of AI in medicine, only 56(16%) of the participants
indicated that they were fairly acquainted with the role of Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
[Mean ± SD; 2.40 ± 1.06]. (4)

Traditional procedures used in radiology for diagnostic reasons are less effective as
compared to newer AI based approaches. Developing nations like Pakistan are still
underperforming in education, research, and deployment of AI in general and in healthcare
in particular. There is a need to include AI in the health system which may aid not only in
accelerating diagnosis and treatment but also injudicious resource allocation.(5)

Objectives:
1.to Investigate the existing landscape of AI applications in medical imaging of Pakistani
healthcare sector.

2. to assess training programs to educate healthcare professionals in Pakistan on the use

of AI in medical imaging.

so as to comment on its future in our healthcare system

Operational Definition:

AI; the utilization of artificial intelligence based techniques and technologies use in health

Materials and Methods:

Cross-sectional study using an online questionnaire-based survey regarding demographic

details, knowledge, perception, and practice of AI. Graduate and undergraduate MBBS
students will be selected throughout Pakistan using the convenient sampling technique.

References:

1. Naveed A, Umer M, Maryam Q, Malik AR, Bashir N, Kandel K. Investigating

awareness of artificial intelligence in healthcare among medical students and
professionals in Pakistan: A cross-sectional study. Annals of Medicine & Surgery. 2024 Mar
18;
2. McMillan AB. Making Your AI Smarter: Continuous Learning Artificial Intelligence for
Radiology. Radiology. 2020 Oct;297(1):15–6.
3. Waymel Q, Badr S, Demondion X, Cotten A, Jacques T. Impact of the rise of artificial
intelligence in radiology: What do radiologists think? Diagn Interv Imaging. 2019
Jun;100(6):327–36.
4. Syed A, Zoga A. Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Current Technology and Future
Directions. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2018 Nov 6;22(05):540–5.
5. Ahmed Z, Bhinder KK, Tariq A, Tahir MJ, Mehmood Q, Tabassum MS, et al.
Knowledge, attitude, and practice of artificial intelligence among doctors and
medical students in Pakistan: A cross-sectional online survey. Annals of Medicine &
Surgery. 2022 Apr;76.
Survey on AI Awareness and Acceptance in Pakistan's Medical Community:

Section 1: Demographic Information

1. Age: [ ]
2. Gender: [ ]
3. Status: [MBBS student/graduate]
4. College/Hospital name
5. Provience

Are you familiar with artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the context of healthcare?
o Not familiar at all
o Somewhat familiar
o Moderately familiar
o Very familiar

Have you received any formal training or education on AI in healthcare?

o Yes
o No

What do you perceive as the potential benefits of integrating AI into healthcare?

o Improved diagnostic accuracy
o Enhanced treatment planning
o Faster patient triage
o Increased efficiency in administrative tasks
o Better patient outcomes
o Other (please specify): [ ]

What concerns, if any, do you have regarding the use of AI in healthcare?

o Job displacement for healthcare professionals
o Data privacy and security
o Ethical implications (e.g., bias in algorithms)
o Lack of human oversight in decision-making
o Technological reliability and errors
o Other (please specify): [ ]
Are there any AI technologies currently being utilized in your healthcare setting?
o Yes
o No
o Not sure

If yes, please specify the type(s) of AI technologies being used and their primary
application(s): [ ]

What do you perceive as the main barriers to the widespread adoption of AI in Pakistani
healthcare? (Select all that apply)
o Cost of implementation
o Lack of infrastructure and resources
o Regulatory and legal barriers
o Resistance to change among healthcare professionals
o Patient acceptance and trust in AI
o Other (please specify): [ ]

Do you feel adequately trained to utilize AI technologies in your healthcare practice?

o Yes
o No
o Somewhat

Are there any AI based technique practices in your radiology department for diagnostic
features?

o Yes
o No
o Not sure