Spire Healthcare says its investment in artificial intelligence (AI) has improved availability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cut scan times.
Last year Spire Healthcare rolled out AI technology in MRI scanners to 21 hospital sites.
It said this provided sharper, clearer images, improved diagnostic confidence and significantly sped up the MRI process.
For example, scan times for certain orthopaedic MRI studies such as knees have halved from around 30 to 15 minutes. Scan rates have increased from 1.9 to 2.3 per hour bringing the average patient wait time down to 3.5 days.
But radiographers remain responsible for patient safety, patient care, protocol decisions, positioning, contrast administration, and adapting scans in real time, the provider added.
Chris Gunn, director of diagnostics at Spire Healthcare, said: “Investing in AI enabled MRI scanners is a gamechanger in terms of improving availability for patients, reducing the time they are required for the diagnostic test, and enhancing image quality.
“This technology also allows staff to focus even more on the human connection; to recognise any anxiety and help patients through the experience.”
