The ACPGBI AI taskforce report: A mixed-methods roadmap for AI in colorectal surgery

The ACPGBI has commissioned a taskforce to devise a strategy for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into colorectal surgery. This report aims to (i) map current AI adoption amongst UK colorectal surgeons; (ii) evaluate knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and experience of AI technologies; and (iii) establish priority recommendations to drive innovation across the specialty.

A prospective 45-item questionnaire was circulated to the ACPGBI membership. Questionnaire findings were explored at a multidisciplinary round table of surgeons, allied professionals, computer scientists and lawyers. Strategic recommendations were then generated.

122 members responded (75.4% consultants; 72.1% male; modal age 41-50 years). Although 43.5% used AI daily, only one third said they could explain key concepts within AI. 86.9% anticipated routine future-AI use, with documentation and imaging ranked highest. 88.5% endorsed formal AI training. Major obstacles were unclear regulation, cost, medicolegal liability and professional or patient distrust. The round table generated 17 recommendations across clinical, educational and research domains and a ten-point action plan, including the establishment of a Colorectal AI Committee and the creation of an open-source colorectal foundational data initiative.

This taskforce report combines questionnaire insights from the ACPGBI membership and expert debate into 17 key recommendations and a ten-point action plan that will set the direction of future colorectal AI practice. The objective is to establish a framework through which colorectal surgical practice can be augmented by safe, trustworthy AI.