The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) reports that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to reduce missed fractures during radiographic assessment in emergency care. Current evidence indicates that AI-assisted interpretation of X-rays is safe and may accelerate diagnostic workflows, thereby reducing clinician burden and decreasing the need for some follow-up imaging. NICE is preparing to recommend four AI tools for use in urgent care settings across England while additional evidence is gathered. Importantly, AI systems will augment—not replace—clinical judgment, with every image still reviewed by a qualified healthcare professional. Missed fractures account for 3–10% of diagnostic errors in emergency departments, a challenge compounded by workforce shortages, including vacancy rates of 12.5% for radiologists and 15% for radiographers. NICE suggests that integrating AI into imaging pathways can help mitigate these pressures and support more efficient, accurate diagnosis.

Adapted from reporting by Philippa Roxby, BBC.