Ipswich Hospital takes part in study using AI to ‘read’ x-rays
It's hoped the tech could help diagnose lung cancer faster
Radiologists at Ipswich Hospital are using AI software to help detect abnormalities on chest x-rays, as part of a new research study.
Normally, when a patient is referred by their GP for a chest x-ray, consultant radiologists will assess the image to see whether there are any abnormalities, such as lesion, that needs to be investigated.
As part of the LungIMPACT study, patients’ x-rays will be reviewed by AI software to check within minutes if it detects any issues.
Patients will be able to opt out of having their scans analysed by AI.
"An important study for the future of healthcare"
Dr James Hathorn, consultant radiologist and principal investigator for the study at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), said: “There aren’t many big clinical research studies focused on artificial intelligence to prove its real worth, so we’re really excited to be part of this study to help find clinical evidence for the benefits.
“We want all AI products to be properly researched and evidenced so this is an important study for the future of healthcare.”
The hope for the study – and using AI – is that it will help speed up any detection of an abnormality and then prioritise this for radiologists.
Dr Hathorn added: “Hopefully using this technology will speed up the time to diagnosis and ensure patients who need treatment can have it as fast as possible.”
The hospital's confirmed every x-ray will still be viewed by a consultant radiologist, with AI being used in addition to the existing clinical processes for patients.
"A fantastic support tool"
Dr Hathorn added: “This is a fantastic support tool in addition to radiologists viewing x-rays. The final decision will still always be the radiologist.
"The main point of the study is to show that AI could help prioritise which x-rays to report first, leaving the normal ones for later and letting the investigation of potential cancers happen more quickly.”
The study is being run by Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust with Ipswich Hospital one of a few national sites taking part.
It will run until the end of July 2024 – so may view 9,000 chest x-rays taken from GP referrals.