Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing patient diagnosis at one of Ireland's major hospitals, enabling doctors to expedite treatment and save lives. The Mater Hospital in Dublin has established the country's first AI and Digital Health center, spearheading innovative solutions for healthcare.

Prof Joe Galvin, a consultant cardiologist at the Mater, highlighted the potential of AI in improving the accuracy of electrocardiogram (ECG) and radiology scan analysis. This advancement reduces waiting times for patients, ensuring prompt treatment for conditions like cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cardiac arrest where time is of the essence.

The Pillar Centre for Transformative Healthcare is the hub for AI-driven research projects at the Mater Hospital. These projects include AI automation to identify suitable patients for oncology clinical trials, reducing manual scanning time for nurses and expediting patient access to trials.

Another project focuses on reducing cardiac fluoroscopy video x-ray images, minimizing radiation exposure for patients and staff through real-time AI-generated images. Additionally, a synthetic spinal imaging project utilizes generative AI to convert CT images into synthetic MRI images for better emergency care planning.

The AI solutions developed at the center have already proven invaluable in reducing emergency department waiting times and optimizing workflows in the radiology department. Rapid notification of suspected pathologies, like stroke and fractures, with over 90% accuracy within minutes of completing a scan, showcases the effectiveness of AI in healthcare.

Prof Peter MacMahon, a radiologist at Mater Hospital, emphasized the benefits of AI in expediting critical diagnoses and reducing turnaround times by promptly identifying anomalies in scans. Hospital CEO Josephine Ryan Leacy stressed the importance of implementing AI in healthcare with a focus on patient safety, transparency, and clinical benefits.