Experiences about digitalization

I have worked as a radiographer for 18 years and during that time, radiology has evolved and digitalized considerably. In the past X-ray images were still being captured on film, but nowadays imaging devices are able to capture images in digital form. Patient information systems and image archives have also been digital for a number of years. This has facilitated faster data transfer and improved the flow of information between different healthcare professionals. On the one hand I feel digitalization has streamlined the work of radiographers, but at the same time it has also required continuous learning from my part. And of course, patience whenever the technology has not worked as expected. During my career, I have noticed that digitalization has already changed the way we communicate in our working life by, for example, reducing the number of face-to-face interactions we have with our colleagues. The use of email and messaging apps such as Teams has increased exponentially, and online meetings and training sessions have replaced the traditional in situ ones.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of my work. A new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device utilizing AI was introduced to my work unit last year. AI is used for enhancing image quality and for supporting more accurate diagnostics. Additionally, the use of AI shortens the duration of the MRI imaging process and makes the examination more patient-friendly. Therefore AI-based MRI benefits both healthcare professionals and patients alike.

In the future, I believe that radiology will continue to benefit from the rapid digitalization of the field. It seems likely that AI will increasingly be used not only in image formation but also in diagnostics and quality assurance. This will help save resources and improve efficiency. However, with the increasing use of AI it is important to remember to take ethical considerations into account. AI can make mistakes just as well as a human can. Human oversight will always be necessary to ensure that patient care remains safe and humane. Digitalization will automate many tasks and will certainly lead to changes in the radiographer’s job description as well. Until a few years ago, the idea of a radiographer working remotely seemed impossible. Today magnetic resonance imaging has already been done remotely, and this will surely become more common in the future. Remote connections can now be used to improve the availability of imaging services.

Risks of open digital society and GDPR

Digitalization is not only changing healthcare practices, it is also changing other aspects of our lives extensively and bringing with it new opportunities. An open digital society increases access to information and improves communication. The internet provides unlimited information, and the use of social media and various instant messaging apps is increasingly common.  Digital services make everyday tasks easier. Various applications can now be used to handle everything from online banking and shopping to managing home devices and monitoring personal wellbeing – anytime and anywhere. It can be easy to forget that there are also risks associated with digitalization, such as threats related to information security and digital inequality. Digitalization should be utilized as efficiently and safely as possible. It is important for companies and governments alike to invest in education and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to learn how to use these new technologies. Older generations and socially excluded people in particular need support in finding and using digital solutions.

EU General Data Protection Regulation GDPR has a significant impact on the social and healthcare sector because, understandably, patient data is highly confidential and sensitive. Data protection has improved with regulation and professionals now have better guidelines on how to process data. This helps to reduce possible abuse and information security errors. The accessing of patient data within a database will always leave a digital mark and the user must always have a legitimate reason for opening patient records. Because of the GDPR legislation, how data is used is being documented and reporting on data protection has increased. My personal digital life has also been made safer by the GDPR. Digital services now ask for a data processing permit and logging in to them requires strong authentication. This takes more time but makes the processing of my personal data more secure. I am also able to manage my own data better and to see how it is being handled.

ChatGPT

I am currently working in an MRI unit and one day out of interest I decided to ask ChatGPT the same question the patient often ask me: “Why does the MRI machine make a loud noise?”.  ChatGPT mastered magnetic physics well and reported that the sound of MRI machine is due to high-speed electrical currents and the mechanical movement of the gradient coils. The answer also mentioned decibels and how these are measured. The answer was comprehensive and even a radiographer might find it useful. I decided to continue with the same topic and ask: “How is artificial intelligent used in magnetic resonance imaging?”.  I compared ChatGPT`s answer to what I had previously written on AI-based magnetic resonance imaging and the similarity was striking. ChatGPT brought out the exact same benefits of AI as I did.  Finally, I asked about the risks of AI. ChatGPT cited diagnostic errors, data errors, privacy concerns and excessive reliance of technology. Based on this experience with ChatGPT, I find the answers I received reliable and more than satisfying. But even though my brief encounter with artificial intelligence was a success, it is important to remember that the technology cannot be trusted blindly. Even though AI can increasingly be used to as a supporting tool in radiology, in it’s current state AI is a long way off from replacing radiologists and radiographers entirely. If it ever will, remains yet to be seen.

Self evaluation

This assignment helped me understand how fast digitalization is progressing in our society today. Adapting to new technologies is now a big part of everyday life, both at work and during leisure time. I try to approach digitalization with an open mind and look forward to seeing what the future holds. I want to keep up with the developments within the field and try to ensure that my skills meet the needs of the future. Digitalization offers many opportunities, but the risks associated with it should not be underestimated. It is important that legislation can keep up with the developing technology in order to keep our society safe and safeguard the rights of individuals. Cybercrime and data breaches are a growing threat, which is why I intend to learn more about cybersecurity in the future. It was interesting to read about other people’s experiences with digitalization. Creating and writing a blog post was also a new experience for me.

I commented these two blogs:

blogi.savonia.fi/villielain/digi-society/

Hi Tiina, Your article on the development of digitalization in radiotherapy was very informative. I am also a radiographer, but I have worked in diagnostic imaging throughout my career. In our field, Digitalization has advanced rapidly, and it sounds like you are pioneers in this area. Artificial intelligent is already widely used, but robotics is still less common. It would be interested to hear more about CyberKnive treatment device, especially the user experiences and treatment results. I believe that in the future, robotics will become more common in radiography and radiotherapy. Nevertheless, we healthcare professionals will still be needed.

blogi.savonia.fi/viivisblog/digi-society/

Hi Viivi, You write expertly about digitalization of the health care sector. I might think you are working in this field! I have a long experience in the social and health care sector, and I agree with you about the benefits and harms of digitalization. I also appreciate your opinion on the use of artificial intelligent. You brought up ethical and environmental aspects boldly.