January 14, 2025 — London — The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has officially included Radiobotics’ RBfracture as one of four approved artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to aid fracture detection on X-rays in urgent care settings across the NHS while further evidence is generated.
This milestone aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s recent AI Opportunities Action Plan, which aims to position the UK as a global AI superpower while improving public services.
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Advancing fracture detection with RBfracture
RBfracture demonstrated exceptional performance in NICE’s early value assessment, improving diagnostic sensitivity and reducing the likelihood of missed fractures, which currently affect up to 10% of emergency department cases (Kuo et al., 2022). When healthcare professionals used RBfracture, sensitivity increased from 74% to 83% (Bachmann et al., 2024), showcasing the potential of AI to support clinical decision-making without reducing specificity.
By ensuring consistent and accurate interpretation of X-rays, RBfracture addresses critical challenges in urgent care, including clinician fatigue, distractions, and staff shortages, particularly during off-hours. This enables faster, more precise diagnoses, reducing the risk of delayed treatment and unnecessary fracture clinic referrals.
NICE identifies system and patient benefits in the NHS
NICE highlighted multiple benefits of AI-driven fracture detection:
- Improved patient safety: Reduces missed fractures and potential harm between initial interpretation and definitive treatment.
- Cost efficiency: Early economic modeling suggests RBfracture could be a cost-effective solution for urgent care centers.
- Reduced inequalities: Smaller and rural centers with fewer experienced staff stand to benefit most, enhancing consistency in care delivery across the UK.
NICE: A milestone for Radiobotics
“We are thrilled that RBfracture is recognized by NICE as a trusted AI solution to improve urgent care services in the NHS. This approval not only underscores the reliability of our technology but also supports the UK’s ambition to lead in AI innovation while delivering better patient outcomes,”
says Peter Ulvskjold, CEO of Radiobotics.
A strategic fit for the UK’s AI future
With the NICE guidelines backing AI in healthcare, the NHS takes a significant step forward in realizing the potential outlined in Prime Minister Starmer’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. Radiobotics is proud to contribute to this vision, ensuring patients across the UK receive high-quality, AI-supported care.
About NICE
NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) provides national guidance and advice to improve health and social care.
The executive non-departmental public body evaluates new health technologies for NHS use, considering clinical effectiveness and value for money, and produces useful and usable guidance to help health and care practitioners deliver the best care.
Learn more about the NICE guidelines Artificial intelligence technologies to help detect fractures on X-rays in urgent care: early value assessment.