Midlands academy to develop AI radiology training model

NHS England – Midlands has provided £1.28 million funding to develop a new training model for the Midlands Imaging Training Academy (MITA) at County Hospital in Stafford, allowing one consultant to simultaneously train and supervise learners across all regional academy sites, giving other consultants more time to spend with patients.

The new EPACS (electronics and picture archiving suite) is being piloted as a platform to develop AI learning and cooperation in imaging academies, with eye tracking teaching the AI algorithms based on human behaviours.

Using the newly installed XRNET high speed education network and EPACS workstations, it is now possible for remote trainers to teach and observe trainees in real-time, and to link education facilities and other national academies to share and collaborate using high definition imaging. When used with the extended reality lab (ERL) trainees could be immersed in different spaces such as an MRI scanning suite or an A&E ward, providing lifelike simulation training to teams of clinicians.

MITA director and gastro-intestinal radiologist Dr Ingrid Britton commented: “The investment from NHS England has allowed us to upgrade our facilities to provide state-of- the-art training to our imaging staff, with the potential to link classrooms across the Midlands. This expands the capacity for training and has allowed us to increase the number of trainees providing diagnostic and therapeutic services to patients on emergency, elective and cancer pathways.

“The new simulation facilities for ultrasound supervision, CT and vascular diagnostic and interventional procedural work provide excellent learning practice to get students work ready for the fast-paced clinical environment.”

Picture: Radiology registrar (first year learner) Abin Varghese and MITA director and gastrointestinal radiologist Dr Ingrid Britton.

Published on page 5 of the January 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.