Four teaching hospitals on Longwood Avenue in Boston have more radiologists than all 16 countries in West Africa combined1.
This startling statistic contextualizes just how much more access to healthcare we have in the Western world compared to those in developing nations. Unfortunately, this discrepancy often leaves the radiologists who do work in those countries facing an impossible task as the sole practitioner for hundreds of thousands if not millions of people.
To compensate for the disparity in healthcare professionals, artificial intelligence (AI) software with the capability to analyze radiographs has been implemented in portable imaging devices around the world. Often, these systems are installed in remote areas where access to a radiologist would require a multi-day walk. Their capabilities have been revolutionary in providing critical information and opening access to diagnostic imaging.
AI Imaging of Respiratory Diseases
A lack of access to important healthcare resources often means that diseases are left untreated. A tuberculosis (TB) report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in April of 2023 listed 10.6 million cases of TB around the world in 2021 and 1.6 million deaths. Despite being both preventable and treatable, TB remains the 13th leading cause of death worldwide2.
AI diagnostic packages available for MinXray systems, can help lessen the impact of TB and other respiratory diseases. The software scans the image and identifies signs of TB, COVID-19 and many additional chest abnormalities, allowing for the patient to receive treatment and quarantine if required to stop the spread.
AI Medical Imaging for Injury Diagnosis
Properly diagnosing a hard tissue injury is another important use for AI in global radiology. Software packages are available that can analyze bone images for breaks and fractures. Not only does this rule out infection and other causes of an injury, but it also gives other medical professionals the information they need to begin treatment without needing to wait for a radiologist. This technology can monitor healing too, pointing out abnormalities that require the treatment plan to be adjusted.
The Future of AI in Medical Imaging
As with most industries, what comes next for AI in radiology is still a mystery. The technology will continue to expand to new places and likely include new detectable conditions. It will probably become more accurate and detailed as well, further elevating healthcare access around the world.
The radiologists in West Africa and other underserved areas of the world work tirelessly to heal injuries and stop as many preventable deaths as they can, but they simply cannot do it alone. AI offers a solution for diagnostics and direction for care wherever and whenever it is needed.
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