DIGI SOCIETY
I work as a sonographer-radiographer at a Oulu University Hospital. I graduated as a radiographer in 2003. Back then, in the early 2000s, X-rays were developed like photographs taken by hand in a dark room. The radiographer did not have ready-made imaging software, the imaging was adjusted manually. The patient’s personal data and the information related to the image were entered manually on the images.
In the field of radiology, there has been a huge development of digitalisation since the early 2000s, the next step was image plate imaging and then moving to direct digital imaging from 2010 onwards. In direct digital imaging, the radiographer takes an X-ray image on a direct digital imaging plate with the imaging software, the patient’s personal data and the imaging data are automatically transferred from the electronic radiology information system (RIS) to the image. The finished X-ray image is available in near real time.
Artificial intelligence has and will continue to transform radiological imaging. We use a variety of AI applications in our work, which significantly speed up patient imaging time for MRI scans, for example, by up to 80%. In my work as a sonographer, I use AI for ultrasound scans, elastography to measure liver fibrosis, and an auto IMT AI application to measure the intima-media thickness of blood vessels in the neck. In the future mammography images will be interpreted by AI, in neighbouring Sweden this is already done!
GDPR
In my daily work with patients, I process sensitive patient data, ask for address, phone number, contact details of close relatives, information about medication, previous descriptions, etc. I update this information in the patient information system. The patient has often had an imaging or medical visit in another hospital. In such cases, for security and data protection reasons, we have to ask the patient for written consent to release the patient’s records. This is time-consuming and time-consuming for the nurses. I wish this would be easier in the future. In the future, it would speed up the work of nurses if they only had to give consent once.
Chat GPT
I asked a Chat GPT question, can AI be used to read mammography images?
Yes, AI can be used to read and analyze mammography images. AI algorithms, especially those based on machine learning and deep learning, can be effective in identifying potential abnormalities in mammography images. This is commonly used as an aid in medical diagnosis, in particular for the early detection of breast cancer.
The answer was realistic. AI can be used for mammography image reading. AI can significantly speed up image reading, can read large numbers of mammography images. However, AI cannot replace the work of a radiologist. Images interpreted by AI should be checked by a radilog. AI can replace the work of another radiologist in screening mammography.
Self-assessment
I am very interested in using AI applications in my own work, because they significantly speed up my work. Security and data protection issues still need to be developed, people need to be able to trust that their data is protected. I would like to learn how to use Chat GPT in my work and studies, I feel old-fashioned not knowing how to use it yet.
ReettaMari`s Blog (savonia.fi)
Hi ReettaMarin,
I work in the health sector and I have the same thoughts about the Data Protection Regulation. It brings security and care to the processing of patient data, but also a lot more record keeping for medical staff, more work. It also requires the patient to be proactive in giving consent for the processing of patient data in Omakanta, which is difficult, especially for elderly people who do not use the internet. A solution should be found.
Br Minna
https://blogi.savonia.fi/minttupastilli/
Titta´s site | Welcome to my blog! (savonia.fi)
Hi Titta,
The banking industry has changed very quickly, I remember 15 years ago when I was still negotiating a loan in a bank. Back then there were a lot of clerks in the bank, you did your banking at the branch, you booked an appointment with a clerk. Now all loan matters are handled in online banking with electronic tools. When you try to call the bank you can’t get through on the same day and there is no branch where you can walk in to take care of things.I am even a bit sad. Although on the other hand many things have been made easier, it is convenient to do things electronically. Contradictory. I also don’t find banking secure, it’s scary to log in with your bank details, you can be scammed at any time or be on a scammers website. Fortunately there is mobile verification.
Br Minna
https://blogi.savonia.fi/minttupastilli/
17.2.2024 at 15:58
What a huge leap in technology in only 10 years. These are the great inventions in digitalization when you can get more done and perhaps save more clients when using AI and other digital tools.
I can imagine how slow it has been developing the x-ray images when they were invented. Now the image pops up on to your screen and you can send it wherever as a file.
Also very interesting learning about using AI in mammography. I´m sure this in the future way even in other services in the health care industry.
22.2.2024 at 11:36
The evolution of radiological imaging from manual X-ray development to digitalization has revolutionized the field. As a sonographer-radiographer, your firsthand experience highlights the significant advancements, particularly with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s fascinating to witness AI applications speeding up imaging processes, such as MRI scans, and enhancing diagnostic capabilities, like measuring liver fibrosis with elastography. The future prospect of AI interpreting mammography images reflects the continuous innovation in healthcare. This transformative journey underscores the pivotal role of technology in improving patient care and streamlining medical practices, ensuring more efficient and accurate diagnoses.
30.3.2024 at 19:22
Hi Minna! Thanks for your interesting blog, it was a pleasure to read and have a professional view on digitalisation in radiology. I had no idea that artificial intelligence is so widely used in radiology, or in healthcare sector in general, to be honest. I was also pleased to learn that AI can be used in interpreting mammography images in the future.