To ask the Minister of Health to detail the improvements in (i) service delivery; (ii) time savings; (iii) cost reductions; and (iv) patient outcomes that were made through the introduction of Artificial Intelligence to support the detection of fractures in Emergency Departments and Minor Injury Units in the Northern Health and Social Care Trust during the two month trial period between 20 January 2025 and 20 March 2025.

Implementation of this Artificial Intelligence (AI) model at Northern Health and Social Care Trust is continuing for the duration of 2025/26 and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust are now live. This service model is expected to be rolled out to other Trusts in the 2025/26 financial year pending the necessary local information governance approval. This AI tool has improved the diagnostic accuracy of extremity x-rays being performed by emergency staff at the immediate point of care, prior to specialist radiology interpretation of the x-ray.

Benefits have included increased diagnostic accuracy which has resulted in a reduction in missed fractures from 6.7% to 1.2% compared to the pre-go-live evaluation stage. However, more data will be required to detail the full cost reductions. The reduction in missed fracture rates has improved patient outcomes due to greater accuracy in results and correct treatment. As a result, fewer patients had to be recalled for a treatment change.

At present it can take approximately 48 – 72 hours before specialist radiology staff perform the second reading of the x-ray. However, AI interpretation occurs in real-time, therefore there is a potential time saving of up to three days. Improved diagnostic accuracy has also led to a reduction in phone calls and queries relating to missed fractures by 80% thereby freeing up more consultant time to perform other tasks.

My Department will continue to monitor the benefits of this new service model.