Milton Keynes improves iPE triage through AI

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is harnessing the capabilities of AI to help identify incidental pulmonary embolism (iPE). It has integrated Aidoc’s AI platform into its clinical workflow, improving notification and triage of iPE cases.

Imaging IT systems manager Andrew Scott led the effort to integrate AI into existing clinical processes. A primary goal was to address the challenges faced by the department, including the shortage of radiologists and reporting backlogs resulting from a surge in demand after COVID-19. “Aidoc’s iPE system is a perfect example of AI tailored to a clear, specific clinical need. Through a simple integration into our existing clinical systems and pathways we’ve been able to demonstrate the potential of AI with significant improvements to patient safety and care,” he commented.

The introduction of AI helped the trust quickly identify critical findings immediately after implementation. Consultant radiologist Dr Dinakar Unnithan said: “The first notification that I saw today, an incidental PE, was indeed a true positive. The case was not meant to be reported straightaway, but the fact that it was picked up and alerted by the Aidoc platform as soon as the scan was done helped us alert the clinician promptly.”

iPE is a frequent co-morbidity in cancer patients and can be detected during routine chest CT examinations. Untreated iPEs are associated with poor outcomes and can be life threatening, making timely diagnosis and treatment essential.

Picture: Aidoc UK and Ireland director of sales Mike Burns, trust consultant radiologist Dr Khalid Enver, Aidoc director of marketing (Europe) Nicola Emery and trust imaging IT systems manager Andrew Scott.

Published on page 4 of the December 2024 issue of RAD Magazine.