Imaging team recognised for work with AI

Imaging

Our Trust has been recognised in a leading technology award for its work around using artificial intelligence to assist diagnosis.

The imaging team picked up the Automation, Artifical Intelligence and Machine Learning accolade in the Smarter Working Live Awards – known as the Oscars of the technology industry. We have worked with IBM to trial the software, called Clinical Review 3, which supported radiologists in analysing X-ray and CT imaging results. The software is able to pick up lung nodules, rib fractures and perforated lungs in a matter of seconds and highlight the findings to radiologists if the finding is not in the report.

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 has paved the way forward in collaborating on other future projects.

“Our aim has been to release expert clinician time to focus on reports which need specialist analysis and this project has certainly done that.

“Our radiologists analyse around 350,000 imaging studies every year, and this figure is growing. Radiological diagnoses are complex and CR 3 has aided the quality of those reports and improved 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.

“It also highlighted that our current discrepancy rate is well below the national threshold, which is something that our Radiology team should be really proud of.

“If the radiologist is 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 UK.

“The main benefits of the trial led to improved quality of reporting, and hence improving quality and safety of radiology reports and hence improve the quality and safety of clinical care provided to the patient in a timely fashion.”