Quick Summary
The Heart and Lung Centre at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has been awarded funding from the British Heart Foundation to develop a national training program focused on artificial intelligence (AI) in echocardiology.
Key Details
- Funding will support research led by Sadie Bennett, a cardiac clinical scientist at UHNM, who will collaborate with patients to explore AI’s role in echocardiology.
- The research commenced in January 2025 and is expected to conclude by the end of the year, with national training materials set to be introduced in 2026.
Insights from the Heart Support Group
Bennett emphasized the importance of the Heart Support Group in shaping the training program:
- The group provided valuable feedback on the use of AI in healthcare, particularly in echocardiography.
- Concerns were raised about patient safety if echocardiographers lack proper training and resources.
- The British Heart Foundation’s funding is a direct response to these concerns, enabling research into AI applications in echocardiography.
Collaboration and Future Directions
Claire Peacock, a clinical exercise physiologist at UHNM, highlighted the collaborative efforts:
- The Cardiac Rehabilitation Team and Heart Support Group have played a crucial role in guiding the research project.
- This collaboration has fostered partnerships with the British Society of Echocardiology and the British Heart Foundation to enhance training for echocardiographers.
- Patient engagement has been pivotal in shaping future healthcare services.
Current Use of AI in Healthcare
- AI technologies are already being utilized in the NHS for diagnosing heart and lung conditions.
- In November 2024, AI was implemented across seven NHS trusts in the Greater Manchester Imaging Network to expedite disease detection, including lung cancer.
Government Initiatives
On January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which includes:
- The establishment of a national data library aimed at maximizing the potential of public health data.
- Support for the development of AI technologies in the healthcare sector.
Conclusion
The initiative at UHNM represents a significant step towards integrating AI into echocardiology training, ensuring that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to utilize these technologies for improved patient care.