In an effort to address long waiting lists and improve patient care, the NHS is expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across its services. To facilitate this, Health Secretary Steve Barclay has launched a new £21 million funding initiative that hospitals can utilize to implement AI tools for tasks such as medical imaging and decision-making. For example, AI technology can analyze chest X-rays to detect potential cases of lung cancer, relieving the burden on healthcare staff. Additionally, stroke networks will have access to AI technology for diagnosing strokes, enabling faster treatment and reducing the risk of long-term disabilities for patients.
The Department of Health and Social Care expects that the implementation of AI technology will not only alleviate waiting lists but also improve patient outcomes. Currently, there are approximately 7.4 million people waiting for non-urgent care, and the utilization of AI is seen as a means to expedite their treatment. Hospitals are encouraged to submit funding proposals for AI diagnostic tools, though only those that demonstrate value for money will be approved. So far, the government has invested £123 million in 86 AI technologies.
Health Secretary Steve Barclay emphasizes the government’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology in healthcare to ensure the delivery of optimal care and reduce waiting times. Professor Stephen Powis, National Medical Director at NHS England, highlights the existing benefits of AI in catching and treating major diseases earlier and managing waiting lists more effectively. The President of the Royal College of Radiologists, Dr Katharine Halliday, recognizes the importance of embracing innovation to enhance diagnostic services and improve patient care. She sees great potential in AI, which can save time, maximize efficiency, and aid in prioritizing urgent cases.
Funding for AI initiatives follows NHS England’s CEO Amanda Pritchard’s announcement that further applications for AI in healthcare are on the horizon. The NHS is well-positioned to make this technology widely available, with its national commercial powers ensuring the best deal for taxpayers. While debates regarding the regulation of AI continue, the government recently launched the AI & Digital Regulation Service to assist NHS staff in safely deploying AI.
Rory Deighton, director of the acute network at the NHS Confederation, welcomes the funding boost for AI implementation as a means to tackle waiting lists and transform disease prevention and early detection. However, collaboration, transparency, and appropriate data sharing between healthcare systems, adult social care, and public health are essential to fully harness the potential of AI. The NHS Confederation hopes for a smooth and efficient approval process to allow healthcare leaders to utilize the funding promptly and bolster their resilience ahead of the challenging winter season.
Fiona Carragher, director of research and influencing at Alzheimer’s Society, recognizes that while concerns have been raised about the risks of AI, it presents significant opportunities for healthcare. In addition to diagnosis, AI has the potential to revolutionize the management of chronic diseases like dementia.
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