Key points from article :
Artificial intelligence (AI) is set to play a significant role in helping doctors detect broken bones on X-rays, potentially reducing the number of missed fractures in emergency departments. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggests that AI technology is safe and could speed up diagnosis, easing the workload on clinicians and reducing the need for follow-up appointments. Four AI tools are being recommended for use in urgent care in England, with additional evidence being collected on the technology's benefits.
AI will assist healthcare professionals rather than replace them, as each X-ray image will still be reviewed by a trained radiologist. This collaboration between AI and clinicians is seen as crucial, especially given the shortage of radiologists and radiographers in the NHS, where vacancy rates are notably high. AI is expected to spot fractures that may be missed under the heavy workload faced by medical staff, improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency.
NICE emphasizes that the use of AI will not lead to an increase in incorrect diagnoses, as radiologists will continue to oversee the process. The potential for AI in healthcare is vast, with current applications ranging from early cancer detection to predicting heart attack risks and pandemics. A public consultation on the draft NICE guidance regarding AI in X-ray analysis is set to conclude on 5 November 2024.
