Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Quality, Efficiency and Equity in the National Health Service (NHS) Care of Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) affects many people in the UK. Keeping track of the disease and how well treatments are working is really important, and MRI scans are the best way to do this. Currently, doctors look at these scans themselves, but this can be time-consuming and sometimes miss small changes. This study is testing an Artificial Intelligence (AI) software called "icobrain ms." This software helps doctors by analysing MRI scans more closely, making it easier to spot new problem areas in the brain. The aim is to show that this AI tool can help doctors make more informed decisions about treatment for people with MS, potentially leading to better and earlier care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
If you have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), you know that getting the right treatment at the right time is crucial. Doctors often use special scans called MRIs (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) to see how MS is affecting your brain and to check if your treatment is working. These scans are really important for guiding your care.
At the moment, specialist doctors called radiologists look very closely at these MRI scans. However, looking at many detailed scans can be tiring, and it's sometimes hard to spot every tiny change. This study is exploring a new way to help doctors: using smart computer software, known as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This particular AI software, called "icobrain ms," is designed to work with your MRI scans. It can measure changes in your brain that are linked to MS and highlight areas that might be new or getting worse. This information can then be given to your doctor in a clear report. The main goal of this study is to see if this AI tool can genuinely help radiologists and your doctors make even better and quicker decisions about your MS treatment.
Key takeaways
- This study uses AI software to analyse MS MRI scans.
- It aims to improve how doctors monitor MS and make treatment decisions.
- No extra tests or clinic visits are needed for participants.
- The AI helps identify changes in the brain linked to MS.
- Participation will not change your current MS treatment strategy.
- It's about making MS care more efficient and accurate in the NHS.
Who may be eligible?
To be able to join this study, you generally need to be an adult between 18 and 99 years old.
You should have either a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or what doctors call Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS), which can sometimes be the first sign of MS. You also need to be having MRI scans of your head as part of your MS care and be on a treatment plan for MS. Finally, you'll need access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
You can't join this study if you are already taking part in another type of research study for MS treatments, especially one where different treatments are randomly given out. However, if you're in a study where everyone gets the same treatment, you might still be able to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you aged between 18 and 99 years old?
- Do you have a diagnosis of MS or Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS)?
- Are you currently having MRI scans of your head for your MS?
- Are you on a treatment plan for your MS?
- Do you have access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer?
- Are you NOT taking part in another study that tests different MS medications by giving them out randomly?
What does participation involve?
This study is focused on analysing your existing medical scans, specifically MRI scans of your brain. You won't be asked to visit any extra clinics or have any additional medical procedures directly for this study. The researchers will be using routine MRI scans that you would already be having as part of your standard NHS MS care. They will use the AI software to examine these scans. You will not be asked to take any new medication or change your current treatment plan as part of this study. The total duration of your participation would simply involve allowing your existing MRI data to be analysed.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Barts Health NHS TrustVerified postcodeLondon, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is AI and how does it help with MS?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. In this study, it's computer software that helps doctors look at MRI scans of your brain. It's designed to spot changes linked to MS more easily, making it quicker and potentially more accurate to understand your condition.
Do I need to do anything extra if I join this study?
No, you don't need to do anything extra. This study uses information from the MRI scans you'd already be having as part of your regular MS care. You won't have extra appointments or tests.
Will this study change my MS treatment?
No, this study will not change your current MS treatment. The aim is to see if the AI software can help your doctor make future treatment decisions more informedly, not to alter your present care.
Is the AI software safe?
Yes, the AI software is safe. It only analyses your MRI scan images; it doesn't touch your body or influence any direct medical procedures.
Who developed this AI software?
The AI software, called 'icobrain ms,' was developed by a company named 'icometrix' in Belgium.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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