Evaluating how artificial intelligence affects clinicians’ decisions when interpreting wrist X-rays
This study is investigating how artificial intelligence (AI) helps healthcare professionals interpret X-rays of the wrist. We know AI can accurately find broken bones in tests, but we're not sure how it changes a doctor's actual decision-making or confidence. The research will look at how doctors decide if a wrist is broken both with and without AI help. We will also compare different ways AI shares its information to see how that affects decisions. This research is important because it will help make sure AI tools are designed safely and effectively for use in hospitals and clinics, ultimately aiming to improve patient care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine you've hurt your wrist, and you need an X-ray to see if it's broken. Doctors look at many X-rays every day, and sometimes they can use new computer programmes, called Artificial Intelligence (AI), to help them.
This study wants to understand exactly how these AI programmes help doctors. We know that in tests, AI can be very good at spotting fractures, sometimes as good as a doctor. But we don't really know what happens when a doctor uses AI in their day-to-day work. Does it make them more confident? Does it change their mind about what they see? And does it matter if the AI gives a very simple answer, or a more detailed one?
The main goal is to find out how AI assistance changes a doctor's ability to see wrist fractures on an X-ray. We also want to see if the way AI information is shown (whether it's brief or more detailed) affects their decisions. The results of this study will help us create better and safer AI tools for doctors to use in hospitals and clinics, which could lead to better care for patients like you.
Key takeaways
- The study helps understand how AI affects doctors' decisions when looking at wrist X-rays.
- It compares how doctors make decisions with and without AI help.
- The study explores if different ways of showing AI results change a doctor's mind.
- The findings will help design safer and more effective AI tools for healthcare.
- Participation involves looking at X-rays and discussing decisions in one session.
- It's for healthcare professionals who regularly interpret wrist X-rays, not for patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is specifically looking for healthcare professionals to take part, not patients. They are hoping to include doctors and advanced nurse practitioners who regularly look at X-rays of wrists or hands as part of their job. This includes staff working in places like emergency departments, minor injury units, or in departments that deal with broken bones or X-rays.
Participants need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. They also need to be able to attend a single study session.
You wouldn't be able to take part if you don't usually interpret wrist or hand X-rays in your job, or if you've been involved in developing the specific AI system used in this study, as this could affect the results.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you a healthcare professional (doctor, advanced nurse practitioner)?
- Do you regularly interpret wrist or hand X-rays in your job?
- Do you work in an emergency department, minor injury unit, radiology, or trauma service?
- Can you attend a single study session?
- Can you understand what the study involves and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you are a healthcare professional invited to take part, you would attend one single session. During this session, you'll look at a series of wrist X-rays on a computer. First, you'll decide if there's a fracture without any AI help. Then, you'll see what the AI thinks and have the chance to change your mind or confirm your first decision.
The AI information will be shown in two different ways: a simple message or a more detailed report with extra information. You'll also be asked how confident you are in each decision. There will also be a short exercise where you talk out loud about your thoughts as you review some X-rays, and a brief interview to understand your reasons better. The entire study participation involves this single session.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- University of OxfordApproximateOxford, England
Common questions
What is AI?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It's a computer programme designed to do tasks that usually need human intelligence, like understanding pictures.
Why is this study important?
It helps us understand how AI can best assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing wrist fractures, which could improve patient care and safety.
Who is funding this research?
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.
What is a 'wrist fracture'?
A wrist fracture is simply a medical term for a broken bone in the wrist.
Will my information be kept private?
Yes, all data collected from participants is made anonymous, meaning your individual decisions cannot be traced back to you.
How to find out more
Rachel Kuo
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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