Perception of medical imaging educators on the addition of AI education to the medical imaging curriculum: A cross-sectional survey

Introduction: As one of the most technologically advanced fields in healthcare, it is unsurprising that artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly impacting medical imaging. The Health and Care Professions Councils (HCPC) updated Standards of Proficiency (SoP) require clinicians to demonstrate awareness of AI principles and their application in practice. Imaging curricula must be updated to ensure professionals meet these standards. This study explores medical imaging educators’ perspectives on AI education, examining their awareness, attitudes, and preparedness to deliver AI content. Methods: A survey was developed to assess the perceptions of academic educators in European medical imaging programmes. The survey was hosted online via the Joint Information Systems Committee (JISC) platform and included a mix of closed and open-ended questions. Convenience sampling was used to recruit attendees at the European Congress of Radiology (ECR) in Vienna in March 2023. Results: A total of 33 responses were received from across 14 countries. Respondents were from a diagnostic radiography background (n = 21) or dual-qualified (n = 12). Only 15.1 % (n = 5) had completed formal AI training. Self-reported preparedness levels indicated a low to moderate preparedness to deliver AI content. Mean AI awareness was 9.21 (of a possible 12), SD = 2.83. Conclusion: While medical imaging educators demonstrate relatively high AI awareness, their preparedness to deliver AI content remains low. Many expressed the need for greater support from higher education institutions (HEIs) to ensure staff are adequately equipped to integrate AI education into medical imaging curricula. Implications for practice: The gap between AI awareness and preparedness among medical imaging educators underscores the need for institutional support. HEIs should prioritise AI-focused and curriculum resources to better equip educators in integrating AI into medical imaging education, ensuring future radiographers develop essential AI competencies.