RecruitingInterventional

A systematic assessment of AI-assisted diagnostic interpretation in clinical practice

This research is investigating if Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can improve how doctors and other healthcare professionals understand medical tests, like X-rays or ECGs. Healthcare staff will look at anonymous patient cases, interpreting them first without AI, and then again using an AI tool. The aim is to see if AI helps improve the accuracy of diagnoses, increases doctors' confidence, and speeds up the process. This study will help us understand if AI can genuinely support medical staff in providing better, more efficient patient care in the NHS, without any direct risk to real patients involved in the study.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Apr 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Various medical conditions requiring diagnostic interpretation (e.g., radiology scans, ECGs, or other diagnostic data). The platform is designed to be modality-agnostic.

What is this study about?

You might have heard about Artificial Intelligence (AI) being used more and more in healthcare. This study is all about understanding if these AI tools can truly help our NHS healthcare professionals, like doctors, nurses, and trainees, when they need to make sense of different medical tests. Think of it like this: when a doctor looks at an X-ray, an ECG (heart tracing), or other medical scans, they're looking for signs to help diagnose what might be going on. This study wants to find out if having an AI tool alongside them makes this process better.

The main goal is to see if using AI can make diagnoses more accurate, help healthcare staff feel more confident in their decisions, and potentially speed up how quickly they can interpret these tests. This is really important because if AI can genuinely improve these things, it could lead to better and faster care for patients in the future, and help the NHS use its resources more effectively.

It’s crucial to remember that this study isn't about AI replacing doctors. Instead, it's about seeing if AI can act as a helpful assistant. The study collects real data on how healthcare professionals perform with and without AI, so we can ensure that any AI tools brought into routine care are truly beneficial and safe.

Key takeaways

Tests AI's role in helping healthcare staff understand scans and medical data.
Aims to see if AI improves diagnostic accuracy, speed, and confidence.
Involves healthcare professionals reviewing anonymous cases with and without AI.
Participation is voluntary with no direct patient risks.
Findings could lead to better, more efficient patient care in the NHS.
Study runs from January 2026 to January 2029.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthcare professionals who regularly interpret medical information as part of their job. This includes doctors, radiologists, specialist nurses, and even those still in training.

To take part, you need to be willing and able to give your informed consent, meaning you understand what the study involves and agree to participate. You also need to be able to use the online study platform in its language and have access to the internet and technology to do so. Finally, you’ll need to complete some initial training to get familiar with the platform and the AI tool.

If you can’t or aren't willing to give consent, don't speak the platform's language, or don't have the necessary internet access or equipment, you won't be able to join the study.

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 a healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, trainee) who regularly interprets medical tests?
Can you provide informed consent for participation?
Are you proficient in the language of the online study platform?
Do you have access to a computer/internet for the online platform?
Are you willing to complete some training on the platform and AI tool?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll log into a secure online platform. There, you'll be asked to review a series of anonymous patient cases. You'll look at each case twice: first you'll interpret the medical information and make a diagnosis without any help from the AI tool, and you'll rate how confident you feel. After a short break, you'll look at the same cases again, but this time you'll have the AI tool to assist you in your interpretation. You'll again provide a diagnosis and rate your confidence.

Throughout your participation, you'll also be asked to complete some online surveys about your experience using the platform and your general thoughts on AI in healthcare. The total time commitment will involve reviewing these cases and completing surveys, all done at your convenience on the online platform. The study is expected to run from January 2026 to January 2029.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer several benefits. You would be helping to evaluate AI tools that might one day make interpreting medical scans and tests more accurate, quicker, and more consistent, potentially leading to better patient care and a more efficient NHS. You might also gain insights into your own practice and experience what it's like to work with AI. The main potential inconvenience is the time needed to review cases and complete surveys alongside your usual work. There are no direct medical risks, as all patient information is anonymised, and your interpretations in the study will not be used to make actual treatment decisions for real patients. Remember, joining is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without needing a reason and without it affecting your job or role.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Oxford, England

Common questions

What is AI in healthcare?

AI (Artificial Intelligence) in healthcare refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, like helping doctors interpret medical scans or other data.

Will this study use real patient information?

No, all patient cases used in the study are anonymous, meaning all identifying details have been removed to protect privacy.

Why is this study important for the NHS?

This study will help the NHS understand if AI tools can improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, and efficiency for healthcare professionals, potentially leading to better patient care in the future.

What if I change my mind about participating?

Participation is completely voluntary. You can withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your employment or clinical role.

Who is running this study?

This study is being run by Oxford Clinical Artificial Intelligence Research (OxCAIR) at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the UK.

How to find out more

Abdala T Espinosa Morgado

abdala.espinosa@ouh.nhs.uk +44 (0)1865 221499 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.