Recently, the National Health Service (NHS) in England has been approved to begin using an artificial intelligence scan costing just £1 in X-ray examinations. The aim of this new technology is to help doctors more accurately detect fractures in patients, especially in emergency departments and urgent care centers where missed diagnoses are common.
Image source note: The image was generated by AI, provided by the image licensing service Midjourney.
Data shows that approximately 10% of fracture cases in emergency medicine are missed or delayed by healthcare professionals. Such misdiagnoses not only exacerbate the patient's condition but can also complicate treatment. Therefore, the introduction of AI scans aims to enhance the accuracy of fracture detection and reduce potential harm caused between initial assessment and subsequent treatment.
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice), clinical evidence suggests that using AI for X-ray scans can improve detection rates without increasing the risk of false diagnoses. This means that AI can help doctors identify fractures that are easily overlooked while effectively alleviating their workload.
Currently, NHS can choose from four AI platforms, including TechCare Alert, Rayvolve, BoneView, and RBfracture, each suitable for different age groups. Mark Chapman, the health technology director of NHS, stated that the introduction of these technologies will provide effective support for medical staff, enabling them to make diagnoses more quickly and reduce the need for patients to reschedule appointments.
Typically, patients suspected of having fractures are first assessed by nurses or doctors, followed by an X-ray examination by a radiologic technologist. These X-rays should be reviewed by a radiologist or other trained professionals to provide detailed reports before the patient is discharged. However, due to frequent delays in reporting, doctors often cannot receive results promptly, which is a significant reason for introducing AI.
Overall, this new measure not only brings faster diagnoses for patients but also helps alleviate the staff shortage at NHS. Currently, NHS is conducting a consultation on this plan, which is set to conclude on November 5th.
Key Points:
💡 The English NHS has launched AI scans with the goal of more accurately detecting fractures.
💰 Each AI scan costs only £1, aiming to reduce the risk of missed diagnoses.
👩⚕️ AI technology will support medical staff, enhancing diagnostic efficiency and reducing patient wait times.