Researchers from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS FT are developing an algorithm to support the diagnosis of patients with COVID-19 symptoms.
Following access to over 40,000 CT scans, MRIs and X-rays from more than 10,000 patients, called the ‘National COVID-19 Chest Imaging Database (NCCID)’, the researchers are using the images to develop a tool to help track and identify patterns and markers of illness.
It is hoped the algorithm they develop will lead to a quicker treatment plan and help understand whether the patient may end up in a critical condition, before they have had a confirmed test. Using visual signatures of the virus, as they appear in chest scans, the researchers said they are able to compare the patterns in the patient’s imaging with those seen previously in the NCCID to get a more accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
Carola-Bibiane Schönlieb, Professor of Applied Mathematics and head of the Cambridge Image Analysis group at the University of Cambridge, said: “The NCCID has been invaluable in accelerating our research and provided us with a diverse, well-curated, dataset of UK patients to use in our algorithm development.”
“The ability to access the data for 18 different trusts centrally has increased our efficiency and ensures we can focus most of our time on designing and implementing the algorithms for use in the clinic for the benefit of patients.”
“By understanding in the early stages of disease, whether a patient is likely to deteriorate, we can intervene earlier to change the course of their disease and potentially save lives as a result.”
The NCCID is also helping researchers from universities in London (University College London), and Bradford, to develop AI tools that could help doctors improve the treatment for patients with COVID-19.
The programme is part of the NHS AI Lab from NHSX, Dominic Cushnan, Head of AI Imaging at NHSX, said: “We are applying the power of artificial intelligence to quickly detect disease patterns and develop new treatments for patients. There is huge potential for patient care, whether through quicker analysis of chest images or better identification of abnormalities.”
“The industrial scale collaboration of the NHS, research and innovators on this project alone has demonstrated the huge potential and benefits of technology in transforming care.”
The trusts submitting data to NCCID are:
- Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust
- Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust
- London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
- George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust
- Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
- Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
- Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
- Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust
- West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
- Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Find out more about the NCCID and see a full list of research projects.
