The application of artificial intelligence in the sonography profession: Professional and educational considerations
Christopher Edwards, Crispen Chamunyonga, Ben Searle, Tristan Reddan
Abstract
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology within the health industry is increasing. This educational piece discusses the implementation of AI and its impact on sonography. The authors investigate how AI may influence the profession and provide examples of how ultrasound imaging may be enhanced and innovated by integrating AI technology. This article highlights challenges related to the application of AI and provides insight into how they could be addressed. The critical distinction between the role of a sonographer and the reporting specialist in the context of AI is highlighted as a key issue for those developing, researching, and evaluating AI systems. A key recommendation is for the sonography community to address ultrasound education, particularly how AI knowledge could be incorporated into university education. This is an important consideration that should be extended to practising professionals as they may be involved in evaluating the efficiency and methodologies used in new research that may incorporate AI technologies.