ACR shares resource for helping patients use AI-generated radiology report summaries

The American College of Radiology recently released a new resource for helping patients understand artificial intelligence-generated summaries of their imaging reports. 

ACR said its Patient- and Family-Centered Care Economics Committee created the handout to teach consumers how to use these increasingly popular synopses more effectively. The two-page explainer explores AI’s role in the specialty, the purpose of these summaries and now they can guide discussions with caregivers. 

“The patient-friendly handout can support conversations about AI and improve understanding of radiology findings for patients and families,” ACR said in a news update published July 30. “The college urges members to incorporate the handout into patient education materials and clinical workflows where AI-generated summaries are available.”

ACR said the handout also was developed in collaboration with its Artificial Intelligence Economics Committee. It answers common questions patients might have about AI in imaging, including—why can’t artificial intelligence alone read images? And is the technology properly regulated?

The college emphasized that AI-generated summaries do not replace the patient’s responsibility to speak with their provider concerning their imaging results. AI also does not review the study images nor provide new medical opinions within these auto-generated explainers. 

“If something in the summary is unclear, confusing or worrisome, talk with the provider or radiologist involved with the provision of the patient’s care,” the handout urges. “AI may make medical information easier to understand, but talking with your healthcare team will always be important,” it added later. 

One recent study, published in the Journal of the American College of Radiology, found that large language models can significantly boost patients’ understanding of their imaging results.