Implementation of delineation error detection systems in time-critical radiotherapy: Do AI-supported optimization and human preferences meet?

Nicolas F. Chaves-de-Plaza*, Prerak Mody, Klaus Hildebrandt, Marius Staring, Eleftheria Astreinidou, Mischa de Ridder, Huib de Ridder, Anna Vilanova, René van Egmond

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

10 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based auto-delineation technologies rapidly delineate multiple structures of interest like organs-at-risk and tumors in 3D medical images, reducing personnel load and facilitating time-critical therapies. Despite its accuracy, the AI may produce flawed delineations, requiring clinician attention. Quality assessment (QA) of these delineations is laborious and demanding. Delineation error detection systems (DEDS) aim to aid QA, yet questions linger about potential challenges to their adoption and time-saving potential. To address these queries, we first conducted a user study with two clinicians from Holland Proton Therapy Center, a Dutch cancer treatment center. Based on the study’s findings about the clinicians’ error detection workflows with and without DEDS assistance, we developed a simulation model of the QA process, which we used to assess different error detection workflows on a retrospective cohort of 42 head and neck cancer patients. Results suggest possible time savings, provided the per-slice analysis time stays close to the current baseline and trading-off delineation quality is acceptable. Our findings encourage the development of user-centric delineation error detection systems and provide a new way to model and evaluate these systems’ potential clinical value.
Original languageEnglish
Number of pages17
JournalCognition, Technology and Work
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Keywords

  • Auto-delineation
  • Information integration
  • Process optimization
  • Quality assessment
  • Radiotherapy center
  • Time pressure

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Implementation of delineation error detection systems in time-critical radiotherapy: Do AI-supported optimization and human preferences meet?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this