Stroke patients at an English hospital are getting quicker diagnoses with artificial intelligence that gives consultants instant access to brain scan images. The system in Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley introduced RapidAI to speed up triage – prioritising patients by urgency – by sending scans directly to consultants’ mobile phones.
The technology speeds up the triage process by providing instant access to diagnostic imaging, accompanied by preliminary reports for clinicians to quickly verify and act upon – significantly improving response times and outcomes.
The technology also flags suspected strokes in patients that may not show traditional clinical signs, such as speech problems or a droopy face or eye.
It means patients can receive potentially life-saving treatments earlier.
Since its introduction at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, patients have been diagnosed within 40–60 minutes – up to an hour faster than without the technology. When it comes to strokes, obviously every second counts. We’re told that the government plans to roll out AI use across the NHS as part of a 10-year shift from analogue to digital systems.