The time is now: making the case for a UK registry of deployment of radiology artificial intelligence applications

• Published in: Clinical radiology 2023-02, Vol.78 (2), p.107-114
• Main Authors: Silkens, M.E.W.M., Ross, J., Hall, M., Scarbrough, H., Rockall, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Artificial Intelligence; Humans; Radiologists; Radiology; Registries; State Medicine; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0009-9260; 1365-229X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.09.132

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based healthcare applications (apps) are rapidly evolving, and radiology is a target specialty for their implementation. In this paper, we put the case for a national deployment registry to track the spread of AI apps into clinical use in radiology in the UK. By gathering data on the specific locations, purposes, and people associated with AI app deployment, such a registry would provide greater transparency on their spread in the radiology field. In combination with other regulatory and audit mechanisms, it would provide radiologists and patients with greater confidence and trust in AI apps. At the same time, coordination of this information would reduce costs for the National Health Service (NHS) by preventing duplication of piloting activities. This commentary discusses the need for a UK-wide registry for such apps, its benefits and risks, and critical success factors for its establishment. We conclude by noting that a critical window of opportunity has opened up for the development of a deployment registry, before the current pattern of localised clusters of activity turns into the widespread proliferation of AI apps across clinical practice.