TL;DR

A UK-wide survey is asking patients whether they want to know when AI is used to analyse their hospital X-rays. Dr Maya Jafari at James Cook Hospital launched the research to help the NHS develop ethical AI practices, noting that many departments already use AI but lack clarity on patient disclosure preferences.

The Survey’s Purpose

Dr Jafari and her team at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough have developed the IMPACT-AI survey to address a gap in NHS AI implementation. “I think the results of our surveys will help the NHS use AI safely, ethically and responsibly,” she explained.

The survey, which began in October and runs until the end of January, is open to anyone over 16 in the UK. A companion survey for health professionals asks how they use AI to read and make decisions on scans and what safety checks are in place.

AI in Practice

At James Cook Hospital, AI currently analyses between 60 and 100 chest X-rays daily. The software flags scans showing potentially serious problems, helping doctors prioritise further investigations. “It brings it to the top of our lists,” Dr Jafari explained.

Critically, a health professional always reviews every chest X-ray—the AI system acts as a “second pair of eyes” rather than a replacement for clinical judgement.

Transparency Options

Dr Jafari suggested that patient information about AI use “could be as simple as putting out leaflets about the topic in waiting rooms.” The core principle is straightforward: “We want to see responsible, safe and ethical AI in healthcare and a big part of that is transparency.”

Looking Forward

Dr Jafari hopes the two surveys will provide the NHS with a “clear roadmap” for introducing AI in ways that benefit both patients and health workers. As AI adoption accelerates across UK healthcare, understanding patient preferences for disclosure could shape national policy on transparency. The research represents a proactive approach to building public trust in healthcare AI before practices become entrenched.

Source: BBC News