Heartbeat: Trailblazing use of artificial intelligence: First for the NHS

January 10, 2020

We have become the first Trust in the UK to incorporate artificial intelligence in the patient workflow within radiology, that will enhance the quality of our reports.

The Trust is working with IBM to introduce the software, called Clinical Review 3, which will support our radiologists who analyse X-ray and CT imaging results.

Fresh from presenting the programme to several hundred delegates at the prestigious 2019 Radiological Society of North America 105th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting in Chicago, Dr Sarah Yusuf, Group Director for Imaging at the Trust, explained: “This is an exciting time for us, to work on an AI project, and the beginning of an exciting collaboration to work on other future projects, which aim to release expert clinician time to focus on reports which need specialist expertise.

“Our radiologists analyse around 350,000 imaging studies every year, and this figure is growing. Radiological diagnoses are not straightforward and are subject to legitimate differences of expert opinion. We think CR 3 will aid the quality of those reports, improve patient experience and safety.”

“The clinical conditions we expect the system to identify across both X-ray and CT scans are in the chest and abdomen, including rib fractures, pneumothorax, emphysema, abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms, pulmonary embolisms and pulmonary nodules.

“The technology uses AI algorithms to identify potential differences between what they would expect (based on data from similar tests) and what the radiologist actually reports. This is then reviewed by the radiologist who decides whether a second look is needed.

“If the radiologist feels an addendum is appropriate, the report will be amended. Any clinical decisions are then made more promptly which will help minimise potential patient harm. Data identifying patients will not be shared with IBM or leave the U.K.

“The main benefits of the trial will be to drive comprehensive reporting, help clinical teams support the quality of reporting and support informed care decisions.”

Trust Chief Executive, Toby Lewis added: “This should be a game-changer for us. We are already in talks with suppliers to progress further developments in AI throughout next year including for prostate imaging, fracture detection in our emergency departments, and neuroradiology. These changes do not replace our expert clinicians, they help them to do their work, and release time to focus on the most complex patient needs.

“We have an established relationship with IBM Watson, and whilst we are not tied in to one single supplier, that partnership is key to taking forward this project at pace. Meanwhile, we are talking to our neighbours in the region who have been researching this technology for some time and have expertise in it, such as colleagues at our nearby universities, and local primary care partners as well.”