From manual typewriters to digi society

Sometimes I feel like I’m already a hundred years old when the topic of digitalization comes up. At school, we practiced the ten-finger system with manual typewriters. We studied automatic data processing by reading books. I remember how the school got its first word processor. We could admire that from behind the window. Electric typewriters and computers were just entering the larger market when I graduated from business college in the early 1980s.

At the beginning of my working career, I worked as a secretary and then as an IT support person in a large chemical company. Among other things, I trained factory workers to use the computer. We practiced using the mouse, sending e-mail and using word processing and spreadsheet programs. As an IT support person, I also carried new computers and screens around the factory area. The computer screens at the time were a heavy picture tubes display. I don’t even remember what they weighed.

I did these jobs for a good twenty years until I was fired. The development had reached the point where so many IT support persons were no longer needed. Over the years, I saw a huge development in terms of both information technology and digitalization. However, it was time for a new beginning. I applied to school as an adult and got a degree place. I graduated as a radiographer just over ten years ago.

It was a real culture shock to start to work in healthcare after working in industry. I felt like I was back in the Middle Ages. The hierarchy of the work community seemed to be strict and if we talk about digitalization, it was very fragmented. Today, many things have become clearer. Moving to welfare areas has caused a little headache. For example, different patient information systems that health centers and hospitals have used must be unified. This will take time.

GDPR

An open digital society has many advantages, but also risks. These include various information security risks, privacy protection, fake news, digital inequality and dependence on technology. General Data Protection Legislation (GDPR) came into effect in 2018. The purpose of the law is to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe. GDPR has enhanced transparency, data security, and personal rights. This has led to a more secure and private digital environment for individuals.

I now know that I have right to know what data companies and organizations hold about me. If a company have outdated information about me, I have right to request that they correct it. I have also right asked to delete my personal data when the data is no longer needed, or I want to withdraw my consent.

Because of GDPR companies must be clear and transparent about how they collect and use your personal data. This can also be quite annoying. When I use web sites, I often get information upfront about data collection through clear privacy policies and consent forms. This is because companies must explicitly state the purpose how they collected data. I’m sure people don’t read these privacy policies carefully even we should.

My employer requires all our staff to participate in cyber security and data protection online training. The sections we do are technological cyber security, cyber security at work and three areas on the basics of SOTE data protection (personal data, personal data processing and patient data processing). In the welfare area, the processing of personal and customer data must comply with the requirements of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

When I write this it is a Digiturvaviikko (digital security week). Digital security week is an annual event organized in Finland. It focuses on promoting digital security and raising awareness among citizens and organizations. At my workplace we received a briefing about our instructions on the processing of personal data, secure working and the correct storage locations for documents.

CHAT GPT

I must admit that this was my first time using Chat GPT. The questions I asked from Chat GPT are below:

When was AI first used in imaging?

“In summary, AI was first applied to imaging in the 1960s with early pattern recognition methods. However, it has grown substantially over the decades, with deep learning making a profound impact on medical imaging from the 2010s onward. Today, AI is a transformative force in radiology, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient outcomes.”

What is the purpose of a virtual grid in radiology?

“The purpose of a virtual grid in radiology is to enhance image quality by reducing the effects of scattered radiation, improve workflow efficiency, allow for lower radiation doses, and provide flexibility in imaging across different clinical situations. It serves as a modern alternative to physical grids, offering both clinical and practical advantages in various radiological settings.”

Will AI replace the radiographers?

“Conclusion: AI will transform the field of radiography, but it won’t replace radiographers. Instead, AI will assist them by automating routine tasks, enhancing image quality, and improving workflow efficiency. This allows radiographers to focus more on complex, higher-value tasks like patient care, clinical decision-making, and technology management.”

It is comforting to know that AI will not take the jobs of radiographers in the future. Or is it true? Chat GPT gave good and comprehensive answers to my questions. I was surprised how varied and long the answers were. I think there were no mistakes in the answers. Only the last answer left me wondering…

Self evaluation

Before I started this blog I read and watch the videos from orientation materials. Some of the materials were more than ten years old. It was fun and interesting to see how digitalization has changed or stayed the same. “Watch your day in 2020”; it was video about a vision from 2011. Someone comments the video: “I remember watching this in 2014 and now it’s 2024 and nothing really changed”. I totally agree it. Digitalization is coming to our homes slowly, but surely. That’s for sure.

AI is the subject I learned the most about and want to know more about. It’s also a topic that, as a radiographer, I should probably know more about. Then I’m a bit worried about Chat GPT. I got so excited about it that I ask it something every day now 😀

Blogs I read and made comments to:

Jenniina Harno-Tasihin https://blogi.savonia.fi/jenniinaharno/

Jani-Petteri Seppälä https://janipetteriseppala.wordpress.com/