Seven Pillars for a Community-Led AI-POCUS Future - A WINFOCUS Manifesto

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
• Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Background:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly integrating into Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS).
• While 81% of practitioners are optimistic, significant concerns exist regarding clinical validation, workforce training, and health equity.
• The World Interactive Network Focused On Critical UltraSound (WINFOCUS) addresses these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a unified strategic framework for the ethical and effective adoption of AI-augmented POCUS.
• To outline key pillars for guiding AI integration in POCUS.
• To foster a global call to action for stakeholders.

Main Methods:

• Development of a seven-pillar strategic framework based on a global survey and expert consensus.
• The framework addresses evidence generation, workforce education, equity, transparency, human-AI collaboration, data infrastructure, and evaluation.
• A manifesto outlining the proposed roadmap for AI-POCUS adoption.

Main Results:

• A proposed seven-pillar framework for AI-POCUS adoption.
• Pillars include rigorous evidence, AI-literate workforce, global equity, algorithmic transparency, human-AI collaboration, data infrastructure, and continuous evaluation.
• A roadmap for collective action by clinicians, researchers, and industry.

Conclusions:

• The ethical and effective adoption of AI-augmented POCUS requires a strategic, multi-faceted approach.
• Addressing concerns in training, evidence, equity, and collaboration is crucial for successful integration.
• A collaborative effort is needed to shape the future of AI-POCUS for improved patient outcomes.