Abstract
Artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted the way individuals live and work today. Despite radiology being identified as a primary focus for AI integration, many hospitals have yet to fully realize its benefits within their clinical processes. This study examines the organisational readiness of private radiology departments in Gauteng, South Africa. The aim is to identify potential business benefits, constraints, and distinct readiness factors, as well as provide recommendations for health care managers to prepare their organisations for AI adoption. The significance of this study lies in understanding the current readiness levels of South African radiology departments for the implementation of AI.
This study employed a qualitative multiple-case study approach to explore the organisational readiness for AI at three private hospitals in Gauteng. The researchers interviewed relevant staff from various departments and analysed the data using theme coding techniques.
The analysis identified four key dimensions of organisational readiness for private radiology facilities: strategic, resource, workplace, and data. The main business opportunities for AI are improvements in diagnostic accuracy, decreasing patient wait times and aiding with radiologist shortages. The main challenges of AI adoption are technology failures, AI dependency and consequential job losses.
The study suggests that hospitals should collaborate with educational institutions such as universities to increase AI awareness among pertinent stakeholders. Moreover, it is recommended that increased collaboration with health technology providers be pursued to promote engagement with technology through the implementation of proof of concept initiatives. This would involve testing and demonstrating the feasibility and potential benefits of new technologies in a controlled setting. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology processes has the potential to significantly improve resource allocation and patient outcomes. A multi-faceted group of health care stakeholders, including health technology vendors, radiology managers, hospital managers and diagnostic staff could benefit from the results of this study. This research explores the impact of AI integration in radiology's clinical and business processes.. The findings offer significant insights into the preparedness of health care professionals to enhance patient care through the integration of AI.
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Systems Integration, Radiology, Health Technology, Health Informatics, Private Hospital, Gauteng, Health Care Management.