Qualitative evaluation of HealthVCF implementation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Qualitative evaluation of HealthVCF (Health Vertebral Compression Fractures)
IRAS ID
317101
Contact name
Anna Barnes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 16 days
Research summary
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease causing weaker bones that break after a fall and can lead to chronic pain and life-changing disability, however treatment can strengthen bones and lower the chance of another fracture. A spine fracture is a critical sign of osteoporosis. However, most patients do not realise they have one as they cause temporary back pain that is often ignored. Over three million people have scans that include the spine, for other reasons such as bowel problems. Up to 1 in 20 scans could be showing there is a spine fracture. Currently, very few fractures are recognised or acted upon. An innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) software, Health Vertebral Compression Fractures (HealthVCF) has been developed to automatically analyse existing CT scans to identify spine fractures and bring them to the specialist team's attention, to see if the patient needs osteoporosis treatment. The overall aim of this ‘AI-enabled spine fracture pathway' is to improve patient health and reduce healthcare costs. The qualitative evaluation of the pilot implementation of HealthVCF at pilot sites will run alongside a separate quantitative evaluation to measure the impact on patient outcomes and costs. The qualitative evaluation will understand the impact of the opportunistic detection of vertebral compression fractures (VCF) on CT scans from the perspectives of patients and workforce (radiologists, administrators, service managers and other key professionals). The 'AI-enabled spine fracture pathway' entails changes to the current patient pathway, potentially impacting on workforce and wider health economy. This evaluation will take a qualitative approach. We will synthesize evidence from key workforce and representative patient interviews to explore workforce and patient acceptability of HealthVCF, drawing out overarching themes and translating insights of key stakeholders into real-world recommendations for implementation and continuous improvement
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0360
Date of REC Opinion
24 Apr 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion