Fast-track to diagnosis: NHS AI in the Cloud

The government announced last week that NHS England (NHSE) is developing a new cloud-based AI screening research platform (AIR-SP). AIR-SP will allow AI tools for screening programmes to be tested across NHS trusts via a single platform. This initiative falls under the government’s Plan for Change and represents a significant step forward in the UK’s transition to digital support in health prevention. 

AI tools and other novel technologies are already being used within the NHS, including pioneering technology introduced to reduce diagnosis time for cancer patients and an AI diagnostics programme for chest conditions, introduced by NHSE in 2023.

A recent study of the AI diagnostics programme for chest infections, which was launched across 66 NHS trusts, found that contracting AI tools took on average 4 to 10 months longer than anticipated, and 18 months after contracting was due to complete, only ¹⁄₃ of the NHS Trusts were using the tools in clinical practice.

The study found that delays were a result of poor integration of AI with local IT systems; delays in obtaining local governance approvals; a lack of availability of clinical staff to undergo the selection process; and a lack of guidance and education surrounding the implementation of AI.

This is not an uncommon practice for testing AI tools across the NHS. Typically, each NHS trust participating in a multi-site study requires temporary IT software to be installed on-site for testing the product at its initial phase, including new databases to facilitate the sharing of images. This costs the NHS ~£3.5 million per multi-site study, with the temporary installation of IT being responsible for 90% of AI tools getting stuck in the pilot phase. 

The new platform will significantly reduce this cost and installation time, with estimated savings of around £2-3 million per multi-site study. AIR-SP can host multiple AI tools simultaneously and is securely connected to all NHS trusts, eliminating the need for physical, temporary IT setups, including on-site maintenance and diagnostics. Further cost savings can be realised by avoiding duplication of research where individual NHS trusts would otherwise have to carry out their research separately. 

A key benefit of NHS-wide use of AIR-SP is the pooling and analysis of larger datasets that would have otherwise been smaller and inaccessible. Additionally, this will provide the NHS with insight into how AI can safely and effectively enhance patient care, helping to alleviate hesitation surrounding its implementation through the development of appropriate guidance. The future benefits are also enticing, such as utilising the single cloud system for population health analysis to report on trends and inform new R&D opportunities. 

Whilst this is a step in the right direction, it will take time to create the platform. During this time of transition, Bevan Brittan has the expertise and experience to assist NHS trusts with trialling and implementing AI tools and novel technologies to improve patient care. We can provide specialist support throughout all stages of the process, advising on regulatory, commercial and procurement aspects. We can work with you to get the most out of the new platform and from ‘go-live’ of AIR-SP, Bevan Brittan can provide continued assistance in ensuring compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations; any governance requirements to maintain clinical oversight and accountability; and support with data sharing arrangements between Trusts for risk and liability mitigation.