Artificial intelligence (AI) could help reduce the number of missed broken bones when doctors interpret X-rays, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Reports Technology News
The health assessment body highlights that research indicates the technology is safe and has the potential to accelerate diagnoses. This could ease the burden on healthcare professionals and decrease the need for some follow-up appointments.
Four AI tools are expected to be recommended for use in urgent care settings in England while more evidence is gathered on the advantages of the technology. However, AI will not operate independently – every image will still be reviewed by a healthcare professional.
NICE reports that between 3% and 10% of broken bones are missed, making this the most frequent diagnostic error in emergency departments.
Additionally, the NHS faces a shortage of trained experts to handle the thousands of X-ray images analyzed daily. Vacancy rates stand at 12.5% for radiologists and 15% for radiographers, as noted in the NHS long-term plan for England.
