Better use of artificial intelligence in the Norwegian specialist health services
Description
The use of AI in diagnostic imaging is expected to provide a number of benefits, including increased quality through more precise and efficient diagnostics and treatment, better planning, increased opportunities for research and development work, and increased sustainability of health services in a long-term perspective. At the same time, the use of AI raises challenges related to ICT security, data quality, transparency, patient privacy, regulations, responsibility, ethics and organization and management/governance of the service.
The research project is a formative evaluation study, conducted in real-time alongside Vestre Viken HF (VV)'s innovation project "Use of artificial intelligence in imaging". The research project seeks to identify opportunities and challenges in the introduction of artificial intelligence (KI), and thereby produce evidence-based knowledge that can be used directly in VV's project, as well as in future iniviatives of implementing AI in clinical practices.
The research project is also part of Line Linstad's doctoral study at the Norwegian Centre for e-Health Research (NSE). Linstad studies the management of e-health and the realization of "co-management" and multi-level management between the various actors in e-health by studying how the national management of e-health realizes increased use of AI in health services.
The research project is led by NSE, and the empirical site is VV HF's innovation project "Use of artificial intelligence in image diagnostics". VV HF is collaborating with Sykehuset Vestfold HF.
The innovation project at VV is rooted in national policy in the area of AI in Meld. St. 7 (2019–2020) and National Health and Hospital Plan 2020–2023.
Goals
The aim of the research project is to produce knowledge about opportunities and challenges when introducing AI in imaging diagnostics at VV HF. The knowledge produced can further be used as basis for evidence-based decision-making when deploying AI in clinical practices in particular and e-health in general.
Method
This is a formative evaluation research project where data is collected in semi-structured interviews, document analysis and observation of clinical practice at VV HF's radiology departments (if the covid-19 situation permits).
The research project uses the "Nonadoption, Abandonment, Scale-Up, Spread, and Sustainability of Health and Care Technologies"- framework to identify analytical issues, priorities and actions.
Conclusion
Formative evaluations are well placed to inform stakeholders during innovation projects. The research project is in continuous dialogue with the project at VV HF about findings from the analysis of opportunities and challenges in the evolving process, so that adjustments can be made.
The project produces scientific knowledge about:
- Socio-technical opportunities and challenges with the introduction of AI in diagnostic imaging in specialist healthcare services.
- Knowledge of e-health management in Norway.
- E-health as a separate area within Health Technology Assessment.
Papers will be presented in scientific journals and conferences, including in arenas organized by Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi).