The burgeoning use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) industry could revolutionize how medical imaging is used to retrieve insights for patients. Exo conducted a recent survey study of more than 150 U.S.-based hospitalists, critical care physicians, emergency medicine physicians, and primary care physicians to gain a better understanding of POCUS use today and the impact of AI on growing POCUS adoption.

Let’s dive into some of the survey’s findings.

Exo’s Survey Results: What Did It Say About AI in Ultrasound?

Exo survey results were compiled into a report, which can be found here. Among the results, the survey found the following about AI use in ultrasound:

• 79% of survey respondents indicated that AI would positively impact POCUS
• 63% said AI would streamline image interpretation
• 77% said they would invest in AI as an add-on to their POCUS

AI could help the realization of a key promise POCUS has claimed since its inception: greater access to healthcare for all. By lowering the barrier of entry for how medical images are acquired and interpreted, AI could help expand the user base for POCUS.

With decreased operator dependance during the scanning process, AI could inject a new standardization of image quality and speed of capture in ultrasound, which could reset expectations among patients and doctors alike. In other words, AI could empower greater POCUS adoption in more locations without the need to have experienced sonographers on-site. It could make training ultrasound users easier. It could accelerate the documentation process after an ultrasound scan. It could help gain insights on what an image is indicating.

The Future of Ultrasound AI Depends Upon Proving Its Efficacy

The majority of respondents agreed that AI could be a worthwhile investment, as referenced by their appetite to purchase AI as an add-on feature to their POCUS today. Perhaps this perception is shaped by what they think AI could offer in terms of automation and insights during ultrasound scanning, which speeds up the care continuum.

The survey results, however, did also have some skeptics. There were physicians who expressed apprehension about the use of AI on POCUS devices until they see more validation of its efficacy in specific use cases and proof points, which the full report details. Some cited a lack of perceived evidence that AI is beneficial to POCUS in bolstering clinical outcomes, transparency, and realizing ROI. As more clinical studies are conducted and peer-reviews articles are published related to AI usage in ultrasound scanning, the conversation around AI will certainly increase at many healthcare facilities across the US.

Exo is dedicated to helping the healthcare industry realize the value AI in ultrasound can play. For more about our approach to AI, read our AI manifesto here.

Exo’s Imaging Ecosystem Includes AI

Exo is proud to present our medical imaging ecosystem that wraps together handheld ultrasound scanning, POCUS workflow software, and artificial intelligence so caregivers can accelerate their diagnosis and treatment at the point of care.

• Retrieve quick, accurate, and affordable imaging in any setting with Exo Iris™
• Spend less time on administrative work and more time on delivering care with Exo Works™
• Easily acquire consistent and accurate images with real-time AI

Learn more about Exo’s ecosystem here and reach out to us here for a demo.