Many researchers are investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in dentistry, but these studies suffer from a range of limitations, according to Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany. However, researchers at the school noted, standards in reporting such as the CONSORT-AI extension can help improve these studies.
A limited number of randomized controlled trials are available for AI studies in healthcare, the researchers said. Also, many studies are low-quality, and reporting often is insufficient for fully comprehending and possibly replicating these studies.
Reporting standards such as the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) provide evidence-based recommendations for reporting on randomized controlled trials, the researchers said. Journals have widely adopted these standards, the researchers added, and they have been shown to increase reporting quality.
The CONSORT-AI extension specifically addresses issues relating to the use of AI in clinical trials, the researchers said.
Randomized controlled trials often are used to inform decision-makers in health policy, regulations, clinical care. Comprehensive and systematic reporting enables decision-makers to gauge a trial’s methodology, validity, and bias while facilitating replication, the researchers said. As AI is expanded to enhance clinical trials and other studies, standardization in reporting is critical, the researchers added.
“Given the emergence of studies on AI in dentistry, action is needed,” said Nicholas Jakubovics, editor in chief of the Journal of Dental Research, which published the study.
“Standards like the recently published CONSORT-AI extension will improve reporting of AI studies in dentistry. The Journal of Dental Research encourages authors, reviewers, and readers to adhere to these standards,” Jakubovics said. “A range of further aspects along the AI lifecycle should be considered when conceiving, conducting, reporting, or evaluating studies on AI in dentistry.”
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