Exploring scenarios for implementing fast quantitative MRI

Purpose: MRI waitlists and discomfort from long scanning sessions are significant problems in clinical radiology. Novel multiparametric quantitative MRI techniques (qMRI) for radiological imaging enable acquisition of full-brain data within minutes to address these problems. While technical and clinical work is advancing, there has been limited research on implementing fast qMRI. This paper aims to identify implementation factors and scenarios within a healthcare setting facing rising demand, staff shortages, and limited capacity of MRI systems. Methods: The paper reports on data collected using qualitative methods: 1) Interviews and guided discussions, 2) co-creation workshop. Both steps involved key representatives with various backgrounds and expertise, such as radiologists, lab technicians, insurers, and patients. Results: Workshop participants visualised current and future workflows, which helped articulate implementation factors for qMRI. Supply and demand in MRI will change with increased accessibility and shortened timeslots. Three implementation scenarios came forward: 1) stable deployment, 2) extension to conducting more complex diagnostic exams, and 3) (more) preventive screening. Discussion and conclusions: This paper demonstrates challenges, solutions, and opportunities for successfully implementing fast qMRI in the clinic, and five lessons for adoption in the clinic: 1) importance of balancing perfectionism with confidence when it comes to clinicians’ expectations, 2) good use of Artificial Intelligence, 3) considering a learning curve associated with implementation, 4) regarding competing technologies, and 5) including patients’ experiences. Future research should investigate salient issues regarding future of AI in radiology and for moving imaging practices out of the clinic.