AI is as good at detecting skin cancer as dermatologists, and since introducing AI into their urgent suspected skin cancer pathway in 2021, WSFT have increased the proportion of patients seen within two weeks from 20% to 95%.
Over the last 6 years, there has been an almost 30% increase in 2-week wait dermatology referrals nationally. This rise combined with the impact of COVID-19 has resulted in a considerable backlog in skin cancer pathways [1]. It is expected that cancer referrals will continue to rise [2], particularly in East Anglia where there is a relatively high incidence of skin cancer cases due to its large agricultural workforce and ageing population. Historically, WSFT have looked at solutions including upskilling GPs and teledermatology for RTT, but referrals have remained high due to sub-par image quality and low adoption.
[1] BAD Patient Hub. 2022. New data shows a record 224,000 skin cancers in
England in 2019 – BAD Patient Hub. [online] Available at: https://www.skinhealthinfo.org.uk/new-data-shows-a-record-224000-skin-cancers-in-england-in-2019/ [Accessed 19 July 2022].
[2] England.nhs.uk. 2022. [online] Available at: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/B0829-suspected-skin-cancer-two-week-wait-pathway-optimisation-guidance.pdf [Accessed 19 July 2022].
In collaboration with the local ICS, WSFT and Skin Analytics deployed an AI based service to address the backlog and help to reduce delays in skin cancer detection and treatment, without the need of additional face to face clinics. Within the WSFT pathway, the AI, Deep Ensemble for the Recognition of Malignancy (DERM) provides an immediate classification, re-directing low-risk lesions to be reviewed by a Skin Analytics dermatologist. The dermatologist confirms if the lesion is safe to be discharged while high-risk lesions are available immediately to be reviewed by the WSFT dermatologists virtually. Triaging patient care in this way provides effective management in a timely manner and ensures patients are seen in the appropriate clinic whether that be Dermatology, Plastic Surgery or Oculoplastic Surgery.
