AI Technology Approved to Aid in Preventing Missed Bone Fractures
Artificial intelligence-powered platforms have received the green light for use within the NHS to assist healthcare professionals in identifying bone fractures on X-rays more effectively, potentially averting cases where fractures are overlooked. The implementation of these technologies could lead to quicker diagnoses and a reduction in the need for subsequent appointments, as per experts.
In England, urgent care centres are now able to utilise four specific AI platforms following the issuance of preliminary guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). Nice highlighted that clinical data suggests that AI has the potential to enhance the detection of fractures on X-rays in urgent care settings without elevating the risk of inaccurate diagnoses.
The introduction of AI technology could significantly decrease the likelihood of missed fractures in urgent care, subsequently lowering the risk of additional harm or injury to individuals during the period between the initial interpretation of X-rays and treatment decisions. Furthermore, enhancing diagnostic precision has the potential to diminish the number of patients requiring hospital recall post radiology review, alongside unnecessary referrals to fracture clinics, according to the recommendations put forth.
Typically, individuals with suspected fractures undergo assessment by an urgent care healthcare professional, who then requests an X-ray to be conducted by a radiographer. Ideally, these X-ray images should be evaluated by a radiologist, radiographer, or another trained specialist, who will furnish a detailed report before discharging the patient. However, challenges in practice, such as reporting delays lasting days or even weeks, have been acknowledged by the watchdog’s committee.
Mark Chapman, Director of Healthtech at Nice, emphasised the significance of supporting healthcare professionals by utilising AI technologies to identify fractures that may be overlooked due to the immense pressure and demands faced by these groups. The recommended AI platforms for NHS adoption include TechCare Alert for patients of all ages, Rayvolve for adults exclusively, and BoneView and RBfracture for adults and children aged two and above.
The uncertainties surrounding the actual costs of implementing and utilising AI technologies for fracture detection were outlined by Nice, as the available data was primarily derived from retrospective studies. It was estimated that the cost per scan would amount to £1 during modelling, with centres advised to align the actual cost per scan with this estimate specified in the preliminary guidance.
A consultation period on the draft recommendations is scheduled to run until November 5, 2024. Charlotte Beardmore, Executive Director of Professional Policy at the Society and College of Radiographers, expressed the organisation’s support for Nice’s draft guidance on employing AI to assist in fracture detection in urgent care. Beardmore stressed that while AI could potentially enhance accuracy, it should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for the expertise offered by radiographers and radiologists.
The Society of Radiographers remains committed to ensuring the safe and effective integration of AI in radiography, advocating for appropriate training and support for professionals. The ongoing collaboration between AI technology and expert healthcare personnel aims to enhance patient care by reducing the likelihood of missed fractures amidst the current diagnostic service pressures and high vacancy rates in the sector.