We are delighted to share that NHLI researchers have received an Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award.

The team, led by Dr Will Man, with Dr Nick Hopkinson as co-applicant, partnered with ArtiQ, a medical device company, to fight against "health inequalities in lung disease". The group aim to use the award to develop and promote the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in the diagnosis of lung diseases in primary care. 

The award

The Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award is one of the NHS AI Lab programmes, led by NHSX. The competitive award scheme is run by the Accelerated Access Collaborative (AAC) in partnership with the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The AI Award is making £140 million available over four years to accelerate the testing and evaluation of artificial intelligence technologies which meet the aims set out in the NHS Long Term Plan. 

Reactions

Dr Man, Consultant Chest Physician with the Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals and NHLI, said: “This AI technology could be used to make quicker and more accurate diagnoses, which means patients can start treatment sooner before any lung diseases progress too far. We believe it has the potential to have a significant effect on reducing health inequalities in lung disease.” 

Marko Topalovic, joint lead investigator of the project and CEO of ArtiQ, says “We are very pleased that the NHS recognizes the importance of early detection of lung disease, and the value our technology can bring to both patients and to primary care. Spirometry is the main tool to evaluate the respiratory system, and ArtiQ enhances it by bringing respiratory specialist-level of expertise through our AI software.” He further adds: “We are delighted to be part of such a fantastic team, with partners from leading NHS and academic institutions.” 

Dr Indra Joshi, Director of AI, NHSX, said: “With this latest round of AI Award winners, we now have an incredible breadth of expertise across a wide range of clinical and operational areas. Through this award, Dr Man and his team will be at the forefront of applying artificial intelligence in new ways to transform health and care.”