Amsterdam UMC-led consortium secures €6.1M for AI in medical imaging project

AI advancing healthcare accessibility

The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded the AI4AI project a grant of 6.1 million euros to an Amsterdam UMC-led consortium. The group will tackle accessibility issues in using and interpreting medical images and their output using AI. The goal is to enable less specialised experts to acquire and analyse medical images, eliminating the long waitlist and pressure on medical experts. 

Generally, medical images such as CT scans or expensive MRI scanners are captured at hospitals and require specialists to operate and analyse their output. The aim is to enable the utilisation of imaging devices by professionals like general practitioners, sonographers, and specialist nurses, thereby decreasing the dependency on highly specialised experts.

Using AI can help alleviate the pressure on specialised experts and personnel dealing with high demand and waiting lists as well as reducing associated costs.

AI creating healthcare technological support

The growing demand for medical images not only strains radiologists and specialists, it is leading to burnouts and impacting care sustainability. The project aims to bring medical imaging closer to patients, enhancing accessibility and reducing travel needs. 

Radiologist Nils Planken at Amsterdam UMC notes widespread enthusiasm among medical professionals for technological support. AI technology aiding in the creation, interpretation, and reporting of medical imaging studies holds promise to shorten waiting lists, reduce workload, and potentially enhance quality. Proper diagnostics outside the hospital setting can prevent unnecessary hospital visits and lead to more targeted referrals.

The Amsterdam UMC stands among a number of cutting-edge medical centres in Amsterdam that act as collaborative research, education, and test grounds for the latest innovations in patient care. The grant highlights the collaborative and innovative spirit thriving in the Amsterdam health sector – an ideal environment to transform research ideas into real world solutions.