AI to enhance fracture diagnosis, eases NHS workload

NICE plans to recommend the introduction of four AI-based tools for use in urgent healthcare in England. At the same time, further studies will be conducted on the benefits of implementing artificial intelligence in this area of medicine.

It's important to note that using AI doesn't mean doctors will be completely replaced by algorithms. According to NICE's recommendations, each X-ray will also be verified by a qualified specialist. AI tools are intended to support doctors in their work, especially in situations where the pressure of many patients and lack of time can lead to errors.

NICE also points out that incorrect fracture diagnoses are one of the most common diagnostic errors in emergency departments. It's estimated that between 3% and 10% of fractures remain undetected during the first diagnosis. This is a serious issue, particularly as the UK's National Health Service (NHS) struggles with a shortage of specialists—as many as 12.5% of radiologist positions and 15% of radiographer positions remain unfilled. This means medical staff are overworked, increasing the risk of errors.

With AI support, it could be possible not only to detect fractures more accurately but also to speed up diagnosis, potentially reducing the number of necessary follow-up visits due to failure to detect a fracture initially.

Public consultations are underway on NICE's draft guidelines regarding using AI in fracture diagnosis. This process will conclude on November 5, and the results will be crucial for the future of this technology in the UK healthcare system.

Artificial intelligence is already widely used in various fields of medicine. It is used for tasks such as early detection of breast cancer from scans, assessment of heart attack risk in patients, and prediction of future pandemics. Introducing AI into fracture diagnosis in hospitals and clinics could be another step towards more efficient and precise healthcare.