Deployment and Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Software for Electrocardiogram Analysis and Management in Primary Care
This study, called DAISEA-ECG, is testing new artificial intelligence (AI) software named DeepECG. This software helps family doctors analyse electrocardiograms (ECGs), which are heart tracings, to better find heart problems in their patients. The main goal is to see if doctors can identify patients who need to see a heart specialist or have further heart tests more accurately with the AI's help. The study is organised so that groups of family doctors will gradually start using the AI, allowing researchers to compare how well they diagnose heart problems both with and without the AI's assistance.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine your family doctor could get an extra pair of super-smart eyes to help them look at your heart test results. That's a bit like what this new study is exploring! It's called DAISEA-ECG, and it's all about seeing if a new computer program, an 'Artificial Intelligence' (AI) called DeepECG, can help family doctors in the UK identify heart conditions more effectively. The software works with the ECG machine that measures your heart's electrical activity, providing more detailed analysis.
The main aim is to find out if family doctors, with the help of this AI, are better at spotting patients who might have a heart problem and need to see a heart specialist or have a special heart scan called an echocardiogram (a detailed ultrasound of the heart). The study wants to make sure that people who truly need further heart checks are referred on, and that no one slips through the net. Comparing how many appropriate referrals are made when the AI is used versus when it isn't will tell the researchers this.
Beyond simply spotting heart problems, the study also looks at how easy it is for doctors to use this AI system in their daily work. They'll be checking things like how often the AI gives correct advice and getting feedback from doctors and heart specialists about their experience. Ultimately, the hope is that this new technology could lead to earlier diagnosis and better care for people with heart conditions.
Key takeaways
- New AI software helps family doctors spot heart problems from ECGs.
- Aims to improve early diagnosis and referrals for heart conditions.
- It's a study for healthcare professionals, but patients are involved through their ECGs.
- The AI is a tool to support doctors, not replace their expertise.
- Potentially leads to better detection of heart issues without extra patient burden.
Who may be eligible?
To take part in this study, you would need to be an adult patient, 18 years or older. You also shouldn't currently be receiving regular care from a heart specialist or internal medicine doctor for a heart issue. If you've had heart investigations in the past that came back clear and you're not on a regular follow-up, you might still be able to join.
Critically, the ECG (heart tracing) you have must be taken using a specific type of machine (MUSE GE 360) and be clear enough for the computer program to read properly. If the ECG isn't clear, the computer won't be able to analyse it.
It's important to know that this study is primarily focused on how family doctors and nurse practitioners use the AI. So, while patients are involved by having their ECGs analysed, the main participants giving consent and following guidelines are the healthcare professionals in specific family medicine practices.
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 18 years old or older?
- Are you a patient at one of the family doctor practices taking part in the study?
- Are you not currently receiving ongoing care from a heart specialist or for a major heart condition?
- If you have heart-related issues, were they investigated in the past and found not to be serious, with no current follow-up?
What does participation involve?
As a patient, your direct participation would mainly involve having an ECG as part of your routine care at your family doctor's practice. This ECG would then be analysed by the DeepECG software. You wouldn't need to take any new medications, attend extra appointments, or have any special follow-up visits just for the study. The study looks at ECGs that are already being done during normal patient care. The main aspect of the study is training the doctors to use the new software and comparing their diagnostic decisions over time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Montreal Heart InstituteVerified postcodeMontreal, Canada
Common questions
What is an ECG?
An ECG (electrocardiogram) is a simple, quick test that measures your heart's electrical activity. It can help doctors check your heart health.
What is 'AI' in this study?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence. In this study, it's a computer program designed to help doctors interpret ECG results more accurately.
Will the AI replace my doctor?
No, the AI is a tool to assist your doctor, not replace them. Your doctor will still make the final decisions about your care.
Will I have extra tests if I'm part of this study?
Not directly as a participant. The study observes how doctors use the AI during routine care. While the AI might suggest further tests, these would be based on your health needs, not just the study.
Is my personal information kept private?
Yes, all medical studies have strict rules about keeping your personal and medical information private and confidential.
How to find out more
Robert Avram, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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