Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence in Radiology: Challenges and Opportunities for Clinical Practice,...

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging and Diagnostics
• Health Informatics
• Radiology

Background:

• Radiology is central to healthcare's digital transformation due to its inherently digital nature.
• The field is well-positioned for adopting and evaluating innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the opportunities and challenges of digital transformation in radiology.
• Focus areas include clinical applications, research, and nurturing young talent in digital radiology.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of relevant German and English literature from the past 10 years.
• Consideration of articles on digital infrastructure, AI, ethical/regulatory frameworks, and education/training in radiology.

Main Results:

• Digitalization advances imaging, automates analysis with AI, optimizes workflows, enables personalized diagnostics, and supports teleradiology.
• Key challenges include data protection, standardization, validation, and regulatory issues hindering hospital implementation.
• AI applications are emerging in clinical practice but need further validation.

Conclusions:

• Radiology's digital structure facilitates new technology integration.
• Systematic training in digital skills for future radiologists is crucial for future-proofing the field.
• Addressing challenges is essential for widespread adoption of digital advancements in radiology.