Answer Digital has partnered with two of the leading creators of CE-marked clinical AI applications, opening up the possibility of using AI at scale within trusts across the UK.
Using open source deployment technology developed with the Medical Open Network for AI (MONAI) community and a new approach to implementing AI at scale, Answer Digital has made it possible for NHS organisations to implement AI models in days without being locked in to a single supplier’s solution.
Answer enables healthcare organisations to evaluate and implement tried and tested clinical AI models from leading model vendors and integrate them directly into clinical workflows in days.
Lunit and AZmed are the latest model developers to integrate with Answer Digital’s technology.
Lunit recently showcased its robust performance in detecting lung nodules in an independent head-to-head evaluation with global model developers.
Michael Measures is Director of Technology at Answer Digital.
He said: “Following traditional approaches to deploying new technology in the NHS, such as creating point-to-point integrations, can take a lot of time when evaluating and implementing AI, resulting in innovation bottlenecks.
“This is arguably the case we are seeing at the moment with proprietary AI add-ons being created by existing PACS and RIS providers in response to the AI Diagnostic Fund.
“Similarly, the challenge applies with creating individual peer-to-peer integrations with each new model that is deployed.
“This is not sustainable due to the many clinical, operational and information governance considerations required for each deployment.”
Answer Digital’s open approach means healthcare providers can access AI models covering clinical pathways including chest x-rays, mammograms, prostate screening, cardiac analysis and fractures, without being locked-in to a single vendor.
It only requires trusts to complete a single installation of its deployment technology to make multiple AI models available, quickly and safely.
By having these clinical AI models available in one place, the NHS can accelerate its adoption of AI and address key operational issues, such as the capacity challenges in radiology services.
Beomseok Brandon Suh, CEO at Lunit, said: “We’ve been able to move from theoretical applications of AI in the NHS to the practical. Working with Answer has made the process simple and accessible, with minimal disruption to workflows.
“They understand that trusts and imaging networks need results now, and they consistently deliver as an integration partner.”
Julien Vidal Co-Founder and CEO at AZmed added: “Taking an open-platform deployment approach has enabled us to overcome the usual governance issues that come with NHS technology adoption.
“There are a number of AI deployment approaches available in the UK, but we would choose Answer’s methodology every time.
“Our own integration took one day, and the team’s technical know-how is second to none.”
