How AI is Shaping the Future of Endoscopy
Key Takeaways
- Most patients support AI in endoscopy, but trust experienced doctors more.
- Cost-effectiveness and medical liability are significant concerns.
- Younger people are more worried about data privacy than older individuals.
Did You Know?
Introduction to AI in Endoscopy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly influencing various fields, including the medical domain. One of the areas where AI is making a significant impact is endoscopy. Endoscopy is a procedure where doctors use a specialized scope to examine the interior of a hollow organ or cavity in the body. With the help of AI, the analysis of endoscopic images can be enhanced, potentially improving diagnosis and treatment.
Patient Support for AI in Endoscopy
A global survey recently revealed that a substantial number of patients are in favor of using AI in endoscopy. Approximately 75% of the surveyed patients support the use of AI to assist with analyzing endoscopic images. This shows a growing trust in technology to aid medical procedures.
However, when it comes to trusting the results, about 54.7% of patients felt confident in AI's output. Interestingly, only 20% believed that AI could surpass experienced doctors in accuracy. This indicates that while AI is welcomed, there is still more trust placed in human expertise.
Cost-Effectiveness and Development Concerns
One of the critical factors noted by patients is the cost-effectiveness of using AI in endoscopy. About 80% of the participants highlighted this as an important aspect for the development and adoption of AI technology. However, current challenges include the lack of reimbursement for AI-assisted procedures.
Healthcare systems in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States are working towards integrating AI into routine clinical practice, albeit slowly due to financial and regulatory hurdles.
Medical Liability and Responsibility
Medical liability is another concern voiced by patients and doctors alike. Approximately half of the patients were apprehensive about who would be held responsible if errors occurred when using AI. The tendency among patients was to attribute liability to the hospital rather than the individual doctor performing the procedure.
In contrast, a survey of endoscopists showed that most doctors believed the AI would improve the quality of endoscopies and patient outcomes, with 90% and 85% support, respectively. This indicates strong professional backing for AI despite liability concerns.
Age Differences in AI Acceptance
The study pointed out age-related differences in accepting AI technology. Younger individuals (under 30) appeared more worried about data privacy compared to their older counterparts. Conversely, those aged 50 and above were more open to the integration of AI in medical procedures.
The demographic shift towards older individuals being more accepting might be due to a better understanding of how AI can assist in reducing miss rates of suspicious lesions during endoscopies.
Patient Involvement in AI Development
Despite advancements, patient involvement in AI development for medical procedures has been limited. Recognizing this gap, the World Endoscopy Organization AI Committee conducted a global survey to understand patient perspectives better.
Patients responded to 13 statements regarding AI in endoscopy, using a platform that provided educational material beforehand. This material equipped patients with necessary background knowledge, helping them make informed decisions during the survey.
Global Survey Results
A total of 1,237 patients participated in the survey, representing various continents. A quarter of these were current or past gastroenterology patients, and another quarter had undergone endoscopy before. The survey's results showed younger populations were slightly more represented, highlighting the diverse opinions across age groups.
The Future of AI in Endoscopy
The interest in AI within endoscopy is growing, but experts believe that widespread usage is still a few years away. While AI can significantly aid endoscopists in treatment decisions, further development and testing are required to address existing concerns fully.
Doctors like Syed Hassan, MBBS, from the University of Kentucky, and Omer Ahmad, MD, from University College London, acknowledge the potential benefits of AI but also emphasize the need for additional work before AI becomes mainstream in endoscopy.
Conclusion
The integration of AI in endoscopy is promising and has garnered supportive opinions from both patients and doctors. However, several challenges, including cost, liability, and data privacy, need to be addressed for AI to be fully accepted and implemented in routine medical practice. Continued research and patient involvement are crucial in navigating these challenges and realizing the full potential of AI in enhancing endoscopy outcomes.
