Wellbeing Software and Radiobotics collaborate for AI-powered MSK X-ray assessments

New AI solution provides an effective way for radiologists to automate the analysis and reporting of musculoskeletal X-ray images.

Connected healthcare and radiology workflow specialists Wellbeing Software are working in partnership with artificial intelligence (AI) experts Radiobotics to accelerate the introduction of Musculoskeletal (MSK) AI Radiology across NHS trusts. In one year (2018/2019), the NHS performed 43.5m imaging tests in England; with the most common being Plain Radiography (X-ray) accounting for 22.7m images. This high volume of diagnostic images is handled by a limited number of radiologists across the UK or outsourced at a significant cost to the NHS; in 2018, outsourcing expenditure reached £165m.

Automating the analysis and reporting of low-risk, routine MSK X-rays using Radiobotics AI solution helps free up time for radiologists, who are then able to evaluate more complex and urgent cases. The AI algorithms are designed to support evidence-based clinical decision making, lowering the rates of misdiagnosis and ensuring that patients receive faster results and treatment. For the Trust, the solution could also deliver overall cost savings by reducing time per case and lowering outsourcing fees.

Radiobotics is the latest AI vendor to join Wellbeing’s AI Connect Marketplace, having chosen to integrate their technology through Wellbeing’s AI Connect gateway, which allows hospitals to embed their chosen algorithms into their radiology workflow, no matter what RIS or PACS they’re running. As the leading Radiology Information System (RIS) provider to the NHS, with a presence in more than 75% of NHS organisations, Wellbeing’s expertise allows the rapid and seamless adoption of AI across NHS trusts.

Chris Yeowart, Director at Wellbeing Software said:

“While other AI vendors are focused on urgent clinical diagnosis, Radiobotics is offering a solution that addresses the growing number of low risk or routine MSK X-rays that come through A&E or GP referrals. By enabling more efficient diagnosis of these cases, they are freeing up radiologists for more critical evaluations. We are glad to have them listed on our marketplace and look forward to introducing them to our substantial network of NHS customers.”

Mads Jarner Brevadt, CEO & Co-founder at Radiobotics, said:

“Radiobotics currently offers a unique solution for detection of knee osteoarthritis in x-rays, which is part of our MSK imaging suite under development, that will include solutions for the whole skeletal system aimed at radiology and orthopaedic departments. We are very excited to partner with such a highly trusted company as Wellbeing, being the leading provider of RIS in UK, we could not ask for a better partner to bring our solutions to hospitals in the UK and assist us in creating value for the overburdened NHS hospitals.”

Radiobotics currently offers a solution for detection of knee osteoarthritis and they will soon have a range of MSK imaging solutions including hip, spine, hand, foot and shoulder imaging, with a number of prototypes in progress. Based on advanced computer vision and deep learning methods, Radiobotics AI image analysis generates fully automated text reports with findings and a conclusion. Radiobotics algorithms replicate the work of an expert radiologist and deliver more consistent analysis than visual inspections alone.