AI in Radiotherapy: Is Implementation Science the Key?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize radiotherapy (RT) by saving time and enhancing quality. However, the adoption of AI in RT still faces hurdles. To tackle this, researchers turned to implementation science to create a framework for designing an AI implementation strategy. They aimed to apply this framework in their center, gain insights to improve AI adoption, and evaluate the framework's feasibility and acceptability for other departments. Implementation science offers a structured approach to integrating innovations like AI into existing systems. It considers various factors influencing the success of new implementations, such as the readiness of the organization and the compatibility of the new technology with current practices. By using this science, the researchers hoped to create a tailored strategy that would make AI adoption smoother and more effective in their center.The study involved developing an implementation strategy specific to their center. This included identifying key stakeholders, assessing the current RT processes, and designing a plan that addressed potential challenges. Throughout this process, the researchers aimed to gather insights that could help other departments facing similar implementation issues. One of the critical aspects of the study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the implementation science framework. This meant understanding whether the framework was practical for real-world application and whether it was well-received by the staff and stakeholders involved. The goal was to create a blueprint that could be adapted by other departments looking to implement AI in their RT practices. By using implementation science, the researchers hoped to bridge the gap between the potential benefits of AI and the practical challenges of its adoption. They believed that a well-designed implementation strategy could pave the way for more efficient and effective radiotherapy treatments.