News

GE HealthCare and Blackford Join Forces to Deliver AI-Driven Imaging Solutions, Supporting Radiologists with Increasing Workloads

• By John K. Waters
• 11/04/2024

GE HealthCare has introduced a new AI-enabled feature for its imaging solutions, True PACS and Centricity PACS, designed to help radiologists manage increased workloads and the growing complexity of diagnostic exams. Developed in collaboration with Blackford, a pioneer in the radiology AI space that partners with hospitals and tech providers, the new AI-powered tools provide radiologists with decision support that could help speed up diagnoses and treatment.

The AI-enabled platform offers access to a diverse catalog of third-party applications spanning clinical areas such as mammography and lung imaging. Designed to streamline radiologists’ workflows, the tools were designed to reduce the administrative strain that has contributed to burnout in the healthcare sector. A 2023 survey by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) ("Understanding and Appreciating Burnout in Radiologists") reported that 49% of radiologists experience burnout, with 60% citing excessive administrative tasks as a primary cause. GE HealthCare’s AI offerings seek to address these challenges by automating portions of the workflow, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care.

"We are focused on providing enterprise imaging to enable precision care," said Ludovic d’Apréa, CEO of Solutions for Enterprise Imaging at GE HealthCare, in a statement. "The integration with Blackford’s AI-enabled solution will help radiologists access more insights when diagnosing patients. With so much unstructured data and radiologists overloaded on cases, they need a solution that can help increase their quality and diagnose faster."

The integration marks a significant step in GE HealthCare’s digital strategy, which centers on its precision care framework that includes smart devices, targeted therapies, a disease-specific focus, and digital solutions. GE HealthCare has secured 80 FDA 510(k) clearances or authorizations for AI-powered medical devices in the U.S., topping the list for AI-enabled healthcare tools, the company says.

The new solution offers healthcare providers an AI orchestration feature that facilitates access to a wide range of validated clinical imaging applications. With this functionality, GE HealthCare’s PACS and Centricity PACS users can more easily incorporate AI into their reading workflows, the company says, enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and quality of radiological services.

"Blackford is committed to delivering AI solutions that broaden clinical and operational AI usage and drive additional value for healthcare organizations and their patients," said Ben Panter, CEO of Blackford, in a statement. "The collaboration with GE HealthCare will help unlock the benefits a tailored AI platform approach can provide to more healthcare providers via a leading global healthcare provider."

According to said Amy Thompson, Research Manager at Signify Research, the medical imaging sector has seen increasing investment in AI, with more than 950 FDA-approved AI/ML products as of mid-2024, and global spending on AI in medical imaging reaching over $700 million in 2023. Analysts say the technology has become essential to the radiology field as imaging IT vendors strive to streamline workflows and enhance diagnostics.

GE HealthCare’s True PACS and Centricity PACS, featuring the new AI-enabled tools, will be showcased at the upcoming Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting in Chicago from December 1-4.