Artificial intelligence and transfusion education, research and practice: The view from the ISBT Clinical Transfusion...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining increasing interest in healthcare. During the 2024 International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) Congress, the Clinical Transfusion Working Party (CTWP) conducted a session to explore the exciting intersection of AI in transfusion medicine (TM) practice, education and research. We report here the potential applications and the session outcome.

A pre-workshop survey explored the participants' demographics and areas of use of AI and whether they have had any AI-specific training or education. The workshop included presentations on the regulatory aspects of AI use and its application in TM practice, education and research. These were followed by round-table discussions to explore participants' experience and concerns.

The workshop had 72 attendees, with 38% falling in the 36-45-year age group. A total of 70% indicated the use of AI, but only 12% reported having specific training or education. Participants expressed interest in different potential applications but also shared concerns on over-reliance, potential loss of skills, the accuracy of provided information and content plagiarism.

The findings of the workshop highlight the need for training, educational resources, standards and regulatory frameworks to guide the use of AI tools in the field of TM.