The collaboration with Wellbeing and Brainomix will enable Trusts in the network to introduce intelligent AI algorithms into existing radiology workflows.
Cheshire and Merseyside Strategic Clinical Network (CMSCN) has partnered with connected healthcare specialist Wellbeing Software and stroke imaging company Brainomix to introduce a pioneering AI stroke project, which allows for a diagnosis platform across the region.
The Brainomix e-Stroke Suite software has been selected to enable physicians across the CMSCN to more confidently – and crucially – to quickly identify stroke patients when assessing brain scans.
This will enable them to make informed decisions about the best possible treatment – which could potentially involve transportation from one of the primary stroke centres to the Walton Centre.
AI stroke project
The implementation has been made possible by Wellbeing’s AI Connect platform, which enables hospitals to embed multiple algorithms into their existing radiology workflow, regardless of the RIS or PACS they’re using.
It is Wellbeing’s market reach and expertise in radiology information systems that is enabling the rapid adoption and optimisation of AI in the UK.
Brainomix’s e-Stroke Suite solution assists healthcare professionals to make faster, more informed decisions by applying AI when assessing ischemic stroke damage, which could potentially help referrals for ischemic stroke treatment. It interprets scans based on metrics drawn from over 150,000 images and is able to quantify the volume of ischemia as well as the ASPECTS score, providing a standardised stroke diagnosis quicker.
Supporting physicians and patients
Chris Yeowart, Director at Wellbeing Software said: “Our customers have indicated a demand for AI in radiology to support clinical decision making and to improve patient outcomes.
“However, in order to optimise the user experience, and to maximise clinical advantage, these algorithms need to be integrated into existing workflow. Our role is to collaborate with market-leading vendors like Brainomix to support the introduction of AI to the NHS, and we’re excited to be part of this innovative project with CMSCN.”
Riaz Rahman, VP Healthcare Global at Brainomix, said: “We are delighted to partner with Wellbeing Software and the CAM stroke network to deliver a truly transformative program.
“By seamlessly connecting each of the sites across the full stroke network, we will provide frontline stroke physicians with fast and critical clinical information to optimise treatment decisions in what is a highly time sensitive pathway.”
Dr Nikhil Sharma, Clinical Director, Cheshire and Mersey Stroke Strategic Clinical Network said: “We’re excited to be introducing Brainomix software in Cheshire and Mersey. The AI software will transform our ability to reliably and confidently interpret CT angiograms as we roll out the out-of-hours thrombectomy service.
“In addition, the CT perfusion software will enable more patients than ever to access vital reperfusion therapies. This will have a huge lifesaving and disability-reducing impact for our patients.”
The network consists of six primary stroke centres; Southport and Ormskirk, Aintree, The Royal Liverpool, Whiston, Arrowe Park, and The Countess of Chester, all of which link up to The Walton Centre where patients who require mechanical thrombectomy may be referred/transported for treatment.
