In Italy, every year, more than 70 million diagnostic imaging services are performed for a business that continues to grow and globally aims to reach 60 billion dollars by 2030. Thanks to the aging of the population and the multiplication of chronic diseases, tests such as x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging, PET scan and mammogram are growing at a rate of 15-20% per year. For Henry Izawa, Head of the Global Medical Informatics Division at Fujifilm Corporation, and president and CEO of Fujifilm Healthcare America, this increase in demand means “large amounts of data to manage and at the same time, greater pressure on radiologists.”
Less workload and faster response
“Artificial intelligence (AI) – he added – can optimize workflow, maximize productivity, reduce workload and improve response times, while ensuring better outcomes for patients. But AI cannot in any way replace professional experience and competence. The goal is always to improve outcomes for patients, not replace doctors.”
A concrete example comes from mammography screening programs, which are being instituted in many countries around the world: “AI supports radiologists in quickly distinguishing what is suspicious and what is not, enabling them to dedicate more time to treating complex cases and guaranteeing a more timely diagnostic-therapy pathway.”
Doctors are more open to artificial intelligence
Izawa also explained that “to achieve AI integration there are two challenges to be faced: the regulatory process on the one hand and the adaptation of doctors on the other, but he added “that doctors are becoming more open to AI, realizing its benefits in improving efficiency and outcomes”.
“Artificial intelligence no longer belongs to the future. It is already part of everyday work, and when developed in a way that is safe, transparent and respectful of privacy, it will be a tremendous support for doctors. Our responsibility is to ensure that these tools can truly serve society,” concludes Izawa.
