Thousands of patients could receive the all-clear for suspected throat
An initial trial on triaged low-risk patients at North Midlands University Hospitals NHS Trust found that no cancers were missed using this device with patients receiving their results within 23 hours of the test taking place.
So far, over 1,800 patients have been reassured they do not have a cancer of the throat within just a few days, while healthcare professionals have been able to focus their resources on the smaller numbers who have a confirmed cancer diagnosis.
The vast majority of patients identified at low-risk who have been examined using the device had cancer ruled out, although around one in a hundred of this low-risk group were discovered to have cancer using the gadget.
Minister of State for Health, Karin Smyth said: “This new technology is a shining example of how innovation and research can tackle waiting lists, improve patient experience and speed up diagnosis.
“Using the app, patients can access a potentially lifesaving consultation. By catching cancer earlier and treating it faster, we can ensure more people survive this horrible disease.
“Harnessing technology to support the NHS is a key part of our 10-Year Health Plan, and will shift the NHS from analogue to digital, equipping the health service with more cutting edge-technologies to catch cancers on time.”
