AI could provide the 'ultimate second opinion' as scientists say it is just as good as doctors at analysing X-rays

Artificial intelligence could provide the'ultimate second opinion' as it is just as good as doctors at analysing X-rays, scientists have claimed. Tests using AI software on millions of old scans diagnosed conditions at least as accurately as radiologists 94 per cent of the time. The joint study by Warwick University and King's College London suggested it could prove vital in avoiding human error when checking patients' results. The AI software, which can scan X-rays as soon as they are taken, is able to understand the seriousness of each condition and flag the more urgent ones immediately. The study's authors suggested it could be used to screen X-rays, freeing up time for busy doctors to focus on more critical patients and helping deal with chronic NHS staffing shortages.