IVC Evidensia is adopting new technology that uses artificial intelligence to provide accurate and exceedingly rapid radiology reports, slashing diagnostic time from days to minutes.
The technology, developed by US firm SignalPET, sends X-rays through an AI Machine Algorithm to get them back all but instantly, rather than needing a radiology specialist to analyse results, which can take up to three days.
A UK first, they system has clear benefits as it is very quick in determining a diagnosis with a high degree of accuracy – identifying typically clear changes such as osteoarthritis, or more challenging interpretations such as lung or abdominal abnormalities.
As one of the world’s leading veterinary care providers, IVC Evidensia will launch the technology into all of its daytime and out of hours UK practices.
Alistair Cliff, IVC Evidensia’s deputy chief medical officer, commented: “The AI radiology process developed by SignalPET represents a real revolution in how results are analysed. The overwhelming success of our initial trial in November means we are confident in pushing ahead with rolling out the technology in the UK this year and eventually, in Europe too. Some of our Canadian clinics already use the system and find it incredibly beneficial.
“As leaders in clinical excellence and innovation, we’re pleased to be the first veterinary business to roll this technology out in the UK.”
Initially, the AI technology had been implemented as a trial from November 2021 in 22 IVC Evidensia practices across the UK for up to 12 weeks to better understand the benefits of this ground-breaking technology and how to best adapt ways of working around it.
After almost 1,000 studies from trial clinics, it was clear there were huge benefits, including saving valuable time for clinicians, cost, and improving confidence in the diagnosis.
The majority of trial teams viewed the technology as a positive diagnostic aid, supporting their own professional opinion, giving it a 95 percent approval rating. It also served as a learning tool, increasing the confidence and clinical independence of younger or newly qualified vets.
Sarah Merrell, clinical director at Lincvet, a group of IVC Evidensia practices in Lincoln and one of the trial clinics, commented: “SignalPET has proved really valuable – giving us excellent support for radiography. It has been used by both our highly experienced and newly graduated clinicians to get a second set of ‘eyes’ on our cases giving reassurance and support when reading our radiographs.
“Overall, it has improved clinician confidence, reduced the pressure on senior vets, given us an additional tool for training and development, and greatly enhanced client understanding of our findings.”
Jane Feneley, clinical director at Summerhill Vet Centre, an IVC Evidensia practice in Norfolk and another trial site, added: “SignalPET has provided us with significant benefits in our clinic. It gives our younger vets more information to aid diagnosis and gives confidence to radiograph cases. It also gives more experienced vets the confidence that what has been diagnosed is correct and that nothing has been missed.
“The report that is generated is a great resource to give to clients and adds value to our service. We would not want to be without this system having now used it.”
The roll-out across IVC Evidensia UK clinics, as well as additional sites in mainland Europe and the EU, will begin immediately.
