From 21st October 2024, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust will be introducing artificial intelligence (AI) technology by Qure.ai to assist with chest x-ray (CXR) reviews. This AI software will identify potential abnormalities on CXRs and prioritise abnormal chest x-rays for rapid reporting by our experienced radiology team. At Homerton, it has been standard practice for many years to proceed directly to a CT scan after a CXR when cancer is suspected if the abnormality is identified whilst the patient is in the department. With the introduction of this software, we hope to increase the number of patients who can be imaged with CT directly after their abnormal chest x-ray, facilitating rapid referral to the correct specialist team by primary care if required.  The chest x-ray will always be reviewed and report written by an experienced human reporter prior to a CT being undertaken. 

Once a CT scan has been completed and the report issued, it is the responsibility of the referring GP practice to act on the results. Depending on the findings, this could involve making an urgent suspected cancer referral, an urgent respiratory referral, or managing the patient within primary care. It is important to note that CT findings suggestive of cancer are not referred by radiology to specialist clinics. The reports will be emailed back to the GP practice and cancer referrals informed., as per current practice.

This new AI-assisted workflow does not change existing guidance for patients with normal CXRs who continue to have symptoms concerning cancer. These patients may still require further investigation, including a CT scan or a respiratory referral as per The City and Hackney pathway. 

Please note, Qure.ai will not have direct access to the Homerton PACS system and will never receive any patient-identifiable images from PACS. This software was purchased through funding from the NEL Cancer Alliance and is currently being used across the network.  It meets the relevant UK and European guidance.

Dr. Susan Rowe Consultant Radiologist 
Local Project Lead, Qure.ai