Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly being integrated into medical imaging practice, prompting calls to enhance AI education in undergraduate radiography programs. Combining evidence from literature, practitioner insights, and industry perspectives, this paper provides recommendations for medical imaging undergraduate education, including curriculum revision and re-alignment. A proposed modular framework is outlined to assist course providers in integrating AI into university programs. An example course design includes modules on data science fundamentals, machine learning, AI ethics and patient safety, governance and regulation, AI tool evaluation, and clinical applications. A proposal to embed these longitudinally in the curriculum combined with hands-on experience and work-integrated learning will help develop the necessary knowledge of AI and its real-world impacts. Authentic assessment examples reinforce learning, such as critically appraising published research and reflecting on current technologies. Maintenance of an up-to-date curriculum will require a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach involving educators, clinicians, and industry professionals. Integrating AI education into undergraduate medical imaging programs equips future radiographers in an evolving technological landscape. A strategic approach to embedding AI modules throughout degree programs assures students a comprehensive understanding of AI principles, skills in utilising AI tools effectively, and the ability to critically evaluate their implications. The practical implementation of undergraduate AI education will prepare radiographers to incorporate these technologies while assuring patient care.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technology within the health industry is increasing. This educational piece discusses the implementation of AI and its impact on sonography. The authors investigate how AI may influence the profession and provide examples of how ultrasound imaging may be enhanced and innovated by integrating AI technology. This article highlights challenges related to the application of AI and provides insight into how they could be addressed. The critical distinction between the role of a sonographer and the reporting specialist in the context of AI is highlighted as a key issue for those developing, researching, and evaluating AI systems. A key recommendation is for the sonography community to address ultrasound education, particularly how AI knowledge could be incorporated into university education. This is an important consideration that should be extended to practising professionals as they may be involved in evaluating the efficiency and methodologies used in new research that may incorporate AI technologies.
Maternal obesity is a significant risk factor for poor pregnancy outcomes. Obesity is linked to abnormalities in placental tissue at term. The purpose of this study was to correlate changes in placental stiffness, measured via ultrasound elastography, with maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index and gestational weight gain. Body Mass Index and gestation weight gain data was collected from 238 women. Elastography measurements were obtained via ultrasound at 24-, 28- and 36-weeks' gestation. An analysis using a linear mixed regression model assessed for the statistical significance of pre-pregnancy BMI, pregnancy weight gain and placental SWV (Shear Wave Velocity). Pre-pregnancy weight status has a significant impact on placental tissue stiffness detectable via ultrasound elastography. Placental tissue stiffness was highest in obese women, followed by overweight women. Obese women, on average, had a MeanSWV 0.11 m/s (95% CI (0.061-0.15) m/s, p < 0.001) above the healthy group throughout the 3rd trimester. Weight gain during pregnancy had a small impact on placental stiffness at the end of pregnancy. MeanSWV was 0.06 m/s (95% CI (0.03-0.10) m/s, p < 0.001) higher in the excessive weight gain group. Structural changes of the placenta detected via ultrasound elastography techniques are not exclusive to placental dysfunction conditions (pre-eclampsia and growth restriction) but are also associated with maternal obesity.