RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

AI Timing in Chest X-ray Interpretation Using Eye-Tracking

This study wants to find out the best way to use artificial intelligence (AI) when healthcare professionals are looking at chest X-rays. AI can help spot problems, but we don't know if showing this AI information early or later changes how doctors look at the X-ray, how long they take, or their confidence in their decisions. Healthcare professionals will review chest X-rays in two sessions. In one, they'll see the AI information first; in the other, they'll see it after they've had a look themselves. Special eye-tracking equipment will record where they focus. This study uses X-rays from past exams and doesn't involve patients directly or change anyone's current medical care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals, Leicester

Enrolment target

Start

30 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Diagnostic Imaging Eye Tracking Artificial Intelligence (AI)

What is this study about?

When you have a chest X-ray, doctors look closely at the images to check for any problems or changes. Increasingly, computer programs that use 'artificial intelligence' (AI) are being developed to help doctors with this. These AI tools can highlight areas on an X-ray that might need extra attention.

This study is designed to understand how best to use these new AI tools. Researchers want to see if the timing of when a doctor sees the AI information makes a difference. For example, does it matter if they see the AI's suggestions before they've had their own first look at the X-ray, or is it better for them to make their initial assessment first, and then consult the AI?

By carefully watching how healthcare professionals look at X-rays using special eye-tracking equipment, and asking about their decisions and confidence, the study hopes to find out the most effective way to combine human expertise with AI support. This research is important because it could help improve how chest X-ray results are interpreted in the future, ultimately benefiting patient care.

Key takeaways

Study explores how AI timing affects healthcare professionals' chest X-ray interpretation.
Eye-tracking technology will record how doctors look at images.
Participation involves two X-ray review sessions using anonymous, old images.
No direct patient involvement or changes to current patient care.
Aims to improve the effective use of AI in medical imaging.
Separate survey open to patients and the general public about AI in healthcare.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthcare professionals who are 18 years or older and work or have recently worked in the NHS or another UK healthcare service. You'd need to have experience interpreting or using chest X-rays in your job and be able to attend two study sessions at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. You'll also need to be a good fit for the eye-tracking equipment.

There's also a separate, wider survey that anyone aged 18 or over can take part in if they live in the UK or have used UK healthcare recently. This includes other healthcare staff, patients, carers, and members of the public.

However, you can't join the main study if you can't attend both sessions, if the eye-tracking equipment won't work for you, or if you were involved in choosing the X-rays or developing the AI system being tested.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a healthcare professional aged 18 or over?
Do you work or have you recently worked in the UK healthcare system (e.g., NHS)?
Do you have experience with chest X-rays in your job?
Can you travel to the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for two sessions?
Are you comfortable wearing eye-tracking equipment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in the main study, you will complete two sessions at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. During each session, you will review a set of pre-recorded, anonymous chest X-ray images. While you're doing this, you'll wear special eye-tracking equipment, which is like wearing glasses, to record exactly where on the image you look and for how long. You'll be asked to interpret the X-rays and share your decisions and confidence.

In one session, you'll see the AI's suggestions first, and in the other, you'll look at the X-ray yourself before seeing the AI's input. The order of these two sessions will be mixed for different participants. After reviewing the X-rays, you will also complete a short questionnaire about your experience using the AI. The study uses existing X-ray images, so there are no direct patient interactions, medications, or surgical procedures involved. The total time for participation, including both sessions, will be discussed with you upon expressing interest.

Potential risks and benefits

This study is very low risk as it only involves healthcare professionals reviewing old, anonymous X-ray images and does not affect any patient's current care. There are no direct personal benefits or risks for you as a participant, but your contribution will help improve how AI tools are used to interpret X-rays, potentially benefiting future patients. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your employment or any care you receive.

Locations (1)

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is AI?

AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. It's a computer program designed to think and learn like a human, and in this study, it's used to help analyse chest X-rays.

Will this study affect current patients?

No, this study uses old, anonymous X-ray images and does not involve real patients directly or influence any medical decisions currently being made for patients.

What is eye-tracking?

Eye-tracking is a way of measuring where you look and for how long. In this study, it's like wearing special glasses that record your eye movements as you look at X-rays.

Who is being asked to take part?

The main study is inviting healthcare professionals who work with chest X-rays in the NHS or other UK healthcare services. There's also a separate survey for the general public, patients, and other healthcare staff.

Why is this study important?

This study helps us understand the best way to use AI tools alongside human doctors to interpret chest X-rays. This could lead to better and more efficient diagnoses in the future.

How to find out more

Richard Farley

richard.farley1@nhs.net +44116258 6237 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.