Radiologist burnout: AI’s true black box

Multiple articles have touted the longitudinal promise of artificial intelligence (AI) in radiology, including projections of streamlining repetitive tasks, improving workflow, and reducing physician burnout. The purpose of this article is to review publications directly assessing the impact of AI on radiologist burnout and the impact of AI on the established drivers of radiologist burnout. Our analysis found conflicting, inconclusive limited data that AI reduces radiologist burnout, and the balance of data does not support that AI improves the drivers of burnout. How AI affects radiologist burnout remains a "black box", with the final impact yet to be determined. KEY POINTS: Question While AI has been touted to reduce radiologist burnout, the literature to date supporting this claim has not been explored. Findings Our analysis found inconclusive, limited data that AI reduces radiologist burnout, and that the balance of data does not support that AI improves the drivers of burnout. Clinical relevance Despite the optimism towards AI implementation in radiology, how AI truly affects radiologist burnout remains a "black box", with the final impact yet to be determined.