AI to help doctors spot broken bones on X-rays

LONDON, Oct 22 (BBC): Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reduce the number of broken bones missed when doctors analyse X-rays, according to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The health assessment body says research suggests the technology is safe and could speed up diagnosis, relieving pressure on clinicians and reducing the need for some follow-up appointments.

Four AI tools are set to be recommended for use in urgent care in England while more evidence is collected on the benefits of the technology.

AI will not be working alone - each image will be reviewed by a healthcare professional. NICE says broken bones are missed in 3-10per cent of cases - it is the most common diagnostic error in emergency departments.

And the trained experts who perform and analyse thousands of X-ray images every day in the NHS are in short supply, with a huge workload.

Vacancy rates are 12.5per cent for radiologists and 15per cent for radiographers, according to the long-term plan for the NHS in England.

The solution, according to NICE, is to harness the power of AI to work alongside clinicians. Mark Chapman, director of health technology at NICE, said it would make their job easier.

"These AI technologies are safe to use and could spot fractures which humans might miss, given the pressure and demands these professional groups work under," he said.