A team from the James Paget have been recognised for their ‘outstanding contribution’ to a research project exploring the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help detect pre-cancerous growths in the bowel.
Four senior clinicians from the hospital’s Endoscopy Department were involved in a national study looking to see whether AI can help improve the detection rate for adenoma during a colonoscopy, a diagnostic procedure to examine the inside of the bowel using a thin, flexible tube with a camera.
Adenomas are pre-cancerous growths or polyps on the bowel lining. During a colonoscopy, adenomas are identified and removed before they can develop into cancer.
The James Paget took part in the NAIAD (Nationwide study of Artificial Intelligence for Adenoma Detection in colonoscopy) study, which saw teams use an artificial intelligence - enhanced computer system linked to endoscopy equipment to highlight Adenomas on the colonoscopy video screen, making it easier for the colonoscopist to see them.
The aim of the study was to see whether the AI system would lead to an increase in the Adenoma Detection Rate (ADR), which is seen as a quality indicator for colonoscopy.
Our hospital was one of 25 sites across the country to complete the study, with organisers highlighting the Paget’s ‘outstanding contribution’, with recognition for the team’s recruitment of patients to time and target, responsiveness and quality of data.
As a result, the team were awarded a certificate and Medi Capture endoscopy video recording device.
Lisa Chalkley, nurse endoscopist and Principal Investigator for the study at the James Paget, said: “As an endoscopist team, we are passionate about quality improvement initiatives to provide the highest standards of care for our patients. We are delighted that our contribution to this exciting research project has been recognised.
“We sincerely thank all our patients who enthusiastically and generously volunteered to take part in this research study. Their invaluable contribution plays a vital role in advancing work in diagnostics though the evaluation of innovative technologies in the field of endoscopy.
“We also gratefully acknowledge our medical engineering, research and development, endoscopy nurse and endoscopy assistant practitioner colleagues whose support made this research such a success.”
The NAIAD study involved more than 4500 patients nationwide and was sponsored by King’s College Hospital, London. Results of the study have not yet been published.
Our photograph above shows (left to right): Ilona Troceanu, Nurse Endoscopist; Monica Bogdan, Consultant Surgeon and Associate Principal Investigator; Lisa Chalkley, Nurse Endoscopist and Principal Investigator for the study (holding the Medi Capture recorder); and Judy Dron, Nurse Endoscopist.