Can a smart robot match a surgeon's skills? Leeds researchers will find out

The study being led by a Leeds surgeon could ultimately lead to AI being trialled in hospital departments around the country to help doctors make better decisions.

The computer-based application developed by Israeli firm Serenus AI guides doctors and other healthcare professionals through a review of a patient’s case before presenting a recommendation tailored for that individual patient.

Professor Hemant Pandit, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Chapel Allerton Hospital, will assess 50 knee patients and decide the best way to manage their condition, while the AI system will also review the cases.

He will assess 50 patients and decide the best way to manage their condition. Those patients will also have their cases “reviewed” by the AI system.

The project is part of a programme of research at the University of Leeds and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust to see if AI can assist and improve clinical decisions.

There is growing evidence that some knee operations such as keyhole surgery or complete knee-joint replacements are ineffective and alternatives involving physiotherapy, weight loss and exercise could produce better outcomes.

Professor Pandit, a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Leeds, said: “Our hope is that the AI system will make the same decisions as me – so we can validate its clinical effectiveness.

"It is a system that is able to harness the latest scientific evidence and clinical practice into the recommendations it makes for patients.

“And the patients themselves will be able to get involved in the AI review, so they will be able to see that clinical decisions are being based on solid, scientific evidence.

“It will help some patients realise that surgery is not always the best route for them.”

Serenus AI says its technology reduces medical errors and prevents unnecessary surgery.

If it proves to be effective, the AI platform will help GPs and junior hospital doctors to make decisions about where best to refer patients for treatment.

The University of Leeds and Serenus AI are hoping to be involved in a bigger study into the application of AI into clinical decision-making.

If that two-to-three year project goes ahead, the tool will be trialled in other surgical specialities such as ear, nose and throat and general surgery at other NHS trusts in England.

That research project would be funded by the National Institute for Health Research, the Government funding agency for health and social care.

The University of Leeds has other research projects investigating the use of AI to better improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Andrew Michaelson, UK manager at Serenus AI, said: “Clinicians need to digest the best medical practices, guidelines and research.

“In our vision, Serenus.AI will sit next to each clinician, like a pilot uses tools in the cockpit or a driver uses tools in the car, to optimize the decision making with regards to the appropriate treatment.”