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UK Robot Speeds Up Arthritis Diagnosis
21 Oct
Summary
- A robot named Arthur is used for faster rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
- AI program Diana interprets scans, enabling same-day treatment plans.
- Royal Berkshire Hospital is the first UK site to use this technology.
The Royal Berkshire Hospital has become the first facility in the UK to deploy a robotic system for scanning patients' hands and wrists, aiming to accelerate the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The robot, named Arthur, works in conjunction with an AI program called Diana, which interprets the scans. This integrated approach allows clinicians to receive results promptly, enabling same-day treatment plans for patients.
Consultant rheumatologist Professor Antoni Chan emphasized the critical importance of early diagnosis, noting that delayed treatment can lead to joint damage. The hospital anticipates that this investment in technology will increase patient throughput and allow for more frequent monitoring scans for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
This advanced technology is currently in use in seven countries worldwide, with the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust being the inaugural site in the UK. The trust's rheumatology department in Reading currently performs 200 hand MRIs annually, facing a consistent rise in demand for its services.
