Wednesday, April 23, 2025 (LinksToday.onlineNews) — A study published online on April 18 reveals that patients approve of using artificial intelligence (AI) as an additional reviewer in the process of mammogram screenings.
Radiology: Imaging Cancer
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Dr. B. Bersu Ozcan from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas led a prospective study involving 518 patients who underwent mammography screenings between February and August 2023. These patients were also invited to complete a 29-question survey. The research aimed to identify independent factors linked to patient willingness to accept artificial intelligence usage.
The study revealed that 76.5% of participants indicated they had little to no understanding of artificial intelligence. In total, 4.44% were comfortable using standalone AI interpretations, whereas 71.0% favored employing AI as a secondary reviewer alongside human experts. The majority of respondents (88.9%) called for a radiologist’s evaluation following an AI-detected anomaly, contrasting sharply with just 51.3% wanting a radiologist-led follow-up when prompted by AI itself. Although not statistically significant, more individuals opted for diagnostic tests based on radiologists’ recommendations over those suggested by AI systems when discrepancies arose—specifically, 94.2% against 92.6%. Increased acceptance of AI technology correlated positively with educational attainment, showing odds ratios of 2.05. Participants from racial minority backgrounds expressed greater concerns about potential biases within AI; notably, Hispanics and African Americans showed significantly heightened worry levels relative to their Caucasian counterparts, registering respective odds ratios of 3.32 and 4.31.
The authors state, “Our findings suggest a guarded optimism among participants regarding the incorporation of AI into mammography analysis.”
An author revealed connections to the publishing and medical device sectors and possesses a relevant patent.
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