York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has collaborated with the University of York on a six-month research pilot, exploring the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing clinical triage assessments at emergency departments across the UK
The system, known as DAISY (Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence System), is a prototype humanoid device designed to assist healthcare professionals during the initial patient evaluation process.
DAISY is being piloted at Scarborough Hospital’s Emergency Department, and the primary goal of DAISY is to determine whether advanced digital technology can streamline the routine triage assessments typically carried out when patients attend emergency departments.
The system is designed to support clinicians by gathering essential health data, such as symptoms, body temperature, and pulse rate, through a series of questions and self-administered tests.
The system, known as DAISY (Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence System), is a prototype humanoid device
DAISY guides patients in using medical equipment to measure their own vital signs, providing step-by-step instructions.
The collected data is then analysed and compiled into a clinical report, which helps clinicians assess the patient's condition more efficiently.
Importantly, the system does not replace any aspect of routine care. Instead, it is being used to assess DAISY’s effectiveness in comparison to a clinician's own evaluation.
The research pilot, which is open only to patients who consent and are willing to use DAISY, will help determine how well the AI system performs in real-world emergency settings.
Importantly, the system does not replace any aspect of routine care
Participants in the pilot will still receive treatment based on the clinician's diagnosis, with no alteration to their care.
The project is led by Dr Ol'Tunde Ashaolu, Emergency Medicine Consultant at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and Professor Radu Calinescu, from the University of York’s Department of Computer Science and Institute for Safe Autonomy.
The pilot is supported by the Trust’s Research and Innovation Team, and funded by a charitable legacy from Elsie May Sykes, managed through York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.
Dr Ashaolu, who serves as the clinical lead for the DAISY project, explained: “Early detection and treatment of medical conditions can significantly improve patient outcomes. DAISY represents an important step toward automating key stages of the emergency department triage process, potentially reducing waiting times and alleviating clinical workload."
The system is designed to support clinicians by gathering essential health data
Professor Calinescu, co-investigator on the project, added: “While AI and robotics are already used in healthcare for tasks like deliveries and maintenance, we must explore how these technologies can directly support clinicians and interact with patients. This project will help us understand not only the technical capabilities of AI but also how patients and healthcare professionals perceive these technologies.”
As the pilot progresses, the research team will also investigate the social, legal, ethical, and cultural implications of integrating AI and robotics into healthcare.
This includes examining patient and clinician responses to AI-assisted care, and addressing any potential concerns about its use.
Top image: Consultant Dr Ol’Tunde Ashaolu, DAISY, Research Practitioner Anna Waine, and Research Nurse Laura Barman