Artificial intelligence (AI) designed to identify patients needing joint replacement surgery could “significantly” cut waiting times, research suggests. The study found AI can lower costs and improve surgical efficiency, which the lead researcher said could change the lives of those who have been stuck on waiting lists for years. Luke Farrow, clinical research fellow from the University of Aberdeen who led the study, said: “We identified that the radiologist’s summary of X-ray findings can be successfully used to help predict which patients referred for consideration of hip replacement will go on to have surgery.
“This is the first comprehensive study to confirm the potential of artificial intelligence in this field. “Using this AI tool in clinical practice would allow for rapid automated review of many patients which would likely significantly improve efficiency and reduce associated costs. “This could change the lives of thousands of patients who have been waiting for years to reach the top of surgical lists.
” The study, published in the Bone and Joint Journal, found the AI algorithm needs further training according to the specific characteristics of the healthcare setting it is used in. Dr Farrow said: “The effectiveness of the developed AI algorithm deteriorated significantly when faced with radiology reports from a different healthcare setting, indicating a need for further training on a wider, more diverse population. “Further development is needed t.