Six profiles in five years

With the aid of profiles, IHE has described the integration of AI systems into the radiological workflow - thereby laying the foundation for smooth processes and higher treatment quality.

The abbreviations are cryptic, the interrelationships complex, and some technical details rather difficult for outsiders to understand. Working on profiles is a job for experts. And the task of integrating AI results into the radiological diagnosis workflow is no different. However, Dr. Marc Kämmerer is convinced that every user will be able to experience the results. "A clearly defined workflow that is automated to the greatest extent possible will guarantee faster diagnostic processes, right through to the recording of findings. Image content and diagnostic text will become one. This creates significant potential for improving both the quality of the findings as well as the quality of the reports."

Five IHE profiles for the AI workflow have already been created during the past five years. Now, a task force founded by our Head of Innovation Management has contributed another important building block under the umbrella of the IHE-Europe Standardization Initiative: the AIRA profile. This describes the verification process for AI results and the possibility of verifying these data across system boundaries. 

This means that there are now six profiles, which can be schematically assigned to three blocks: the workflow management, the guidelines for presenting AI results, including their validation by the physician, and the three profiles for the structure of the resulting findings report.

Momentum from the market and politics

Marc Kämmerer is hopeful that as many AI providers as possible will commit to implementing the profiles and also join the AI Interest Group for Imaging (AIGI). This would enable them to actively work on opportunities to improve the integration of their software into users' workplaces. "This lays the foundation for an integrated AI workflow. It is now up to users to demand these options from the suppliers. For their part, providers have the opportunity to position themselves as early adopters in the market - a classic win-win situation." 

Favorable tailwind is coming from both the market and the political arena. The example of a major German hospital chain which, in a recent tender, explicitly stipulated that only structured findings would be accepted is representative of the economic incentives. Regulatory pressure will arise from the implementation of the EHDS, which will also make structured data mandatory for cross-border exchanges. 

For insights into the work of IHE Europe, please visit: www.ihe-europe.net