AI's biggest return on investment currently comes in the form of time
Most organizations that have integrated artificial intelligence-enabled tools into their practices still lack concrete figures relative to the return on investment (ROI), but the majority have ample evidence detailing how AI has improved workflows.
Last week Black Book Research—an independent market research firm that specializes in healthcare—released survey results pertaining to how AI has affected radiology workflows. Despite respondents lacking information specific to AI-related payments to their practices, most indicated the technology is delivering value in numerous ways. The responses suggest AI’s biggest benefit to practices comes in the form of efficiencies.
Faster report turnaround times were noted by 59% as the most significant real-world impact of AI. Another 44% signaled the technology improved lesion detection and diagnostic accuracy, while 33% reported increased throughput for CT, MRI and other high-volume modalities. Fewer repeat scans were also highlighted by 21%.
"Most organizations are using AI to keep up with rising volumes rather than to shrink their workforce," Doug Brown, founder of Black Book Research, said in a news release. "The return is often deferred hiring or capacity expansion, which is harder to quantify and even harder to communicate to boards and payers."
Though respondents reported the potential to expand on the benefits AI has brought their organizations, many reported significant operational and financial barriers in doing so. The biggest barrier flagged was integration with PACS, RIS, VNA and clinical workflows, reported by 47%. IT resource constraints were reported by 41%, while vendor pricing and cost of ownership and lack of radiologist buy-in were detailed by 35% and 28%. Regulatory or medicolegal concerns were top of mind for nearly 20%.
Over one-third reported intentions to conduct a formal review of AI-related ROI over the next 12 months.
The survey included data from more than 200 hospital and clinic representatives throughout the United States. Respondents included chief financial officers, imaging service line leaders, radiology practice executives and IT/PACS leaders.
In addition to her background in journalism, Hannah also has patient-facing experience in clinical settings, having spent more than 12 years working as a registered rad tech. She began covering the medical imaging industry for Innovate Healthcare in 2021.