Artificial intelligence helps radiologists increase efficiency and diagnostic confidence
By David Roelke, MD, diagnostic radiologist
Every minute matters when physicians are diagnosing and treating patients. That’s why there is great interest in the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and the benefits it can offer physicians and patients alike. Sophisticated technology platforms are helping medical providers automate common tasks, interpret test results and aid in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
One early use of AI in health care has been in the field of radiology. Advanced AI platforms employ step-by-step procedures, called algorithms, to analyze medical images in real time and quickly process data, using machine learning to lead to more accurate diagnoses. The Food and Drug Administration has approved more than 800 AI algorithms specific to the field of radiology.
The radiology team at ProHealth Care use the algorithms to identify potential abnormalities — such as bleeding within the brain, blood clots or lung nodules — within seconds. When something suspicious is detected, a notification is sent to a radiologist so the case can quickly be prioritized and evaluated and care teams can be notified. AI does not replace the physician. Instead, it helps radiologists and clinical teams make faster decisions with a higher level of confidence.
An increasing number of health care systems are using radiology AI platforms to support diagnostic imaging teams and strengthen subspecialty care by improving patient outcomes. ProHealth uses the Aidoc AI Care Platform to integrate algorithms into its picture archiving and communication system and electronic medical record applications. The software acts like a magnifying glass, offering a closer look at potential issues in the brain, heart, lungs, spine and ribs.
As imaging technology has advanced, radiology departments have become busier with a greater number of scans ordered and more images to review. When there are hundreds or thousands of images each day, AI can help improve the abnormality detection process for radiology teams. The technology is able to flag subtle findings, allowing physicians to focus on suspicious areas and closely evaluate them.
An AI platform is akin to having an extra set of expert eyes reviewing every test, locating specific abnormalities and detecting incidental findings that otherwise might not have been seen. It’s like a tap on the radiologist’s shoulder to catch their attention and seek clarification about areas on a patient’s images.
AI systems have been proven to increase the efficiency of radiology departments. They also have direct benefits for patients. When AI platforms quickly identify life-threatening conditions, they save time – and potentially save lives.
When a patient arrives at an emergency room with head pain after a fall, the physician is likely to order a CT scan after an initial evaluation. The patient has the scan performed and then returns to the emergency room to wait for test results. If an AI platform detects blood in the brain, the radiologist would be alerted immediately and could quickly take steps to review and confirm the finding. The emergency medicine providers caring for the patient would also be informed and could begin to prepare for any necessary intervention or treatment, perhaps even before the patient returns to the department from radiology.
Faster diagnosis and quicker treatment decisions have the potential for improved patient outcomes along with shorter hospital stays, reducing the cost of care.
As technology continues to evolve, AI platforms will become an even more integral part of modern health care. By efficiently processing large amounts of data and summarizing key findings, the tools will allow providers to make more accurate diagnoses and informed treatment decisions. By automating routine processes and tasks, they will also give physicians more time to do what matters most: provide personalized care to the patients they serve.
David Roelke, MD, is a radiologist on staff at ProHealth Care. He and his colleagues review images taken at several locations to help diagnose conditions and monitor the body’s response to treatment. The radiology team also offers a number of preventive screenings designed to detect conditions at their earliest stages, before symptoms exist.
