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The ACPGBI AI taskforce report: A mixed-methods roadmap for AI in colorectal surgery
James M Kinross1, Kyle Lam1, Andrew Yiu1
1Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
Summary
Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in UK colorectal surgery is mapped, revealing varied usage but a strong desire for formal training. Key obstacles include regulation and cost, with 17 recommendations proposed for future AI integration.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Technology
- Artificial Intelligence in Medicine
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland (ACPGBI) recognized the need for a strategic approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into colorectal surgery.
- A taskforce was commissioned to assess the current landscape of AI adoption, understand surgeon perspectives, and formulate recommendations for advancing AI in the specialty.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the current adoption of AI technologies among UK colorectal surgeons.
- To evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, and experiences of surgeons regarding AI.
- To establish priority recommendations for driving innovation and safe AI integration in colorectal surgery.
Main Methods:
- A prospective survey comprising 45 items was distributed to members of the ACPGBI.
- Survey findings were further discussed and refined at a multidisciplinary round table involving surgeons, allied health professionals, computer scientists, and legal experts.
- Strategic recommendations were developed based on the combined insights from the questionnaire and expert discussions.
Main Results:
- A total of 122 ACPGBI members responded, with 75.4% being consultants.
- While 43.5% reported daily AI use, only one-third could explain core AI concepts. 86.9% anticipated routine AI use in the future, particularly for documentation and imaging.
- Significant barriers identified include unclear regulations, cost, medicolegal concerns, and professional/patient distrust. 88.5% supported formal AI training.
Conclusions:
- The taskforce report synthesizes survey data and expert opinions into 17 key recommendations and a 10-point action plan to guide future AI implementation in colorectal surgery.
- The proposed framework aims to facilitate the augmentation of colorectal surgical practice with safe, reliable, and trustworthy AI technologies.
- Key actions include establishing a Colorectal AI Committee and initiating an open-source data initiative for the specialty.
