DAISY, which stands for Diagnostic Artificial Intelligence System, is a pilot prototype humanoid device, designed to assist with the initial clinical triage assessments when patients attend the Emergency Department. The aim is to explore whether DAISY’s advanced digital technology can enhance these processes.
The system provides instructions to patients on how to use medical equipment to measure their own vital signs. DAISY will ask patients a series of health-related questions, gathering important data such as symptoms, body temperature, and pulse rate. All the date is then analysed and compiled into a clinical report, intended to support staff in their assessment of the patient.
York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust emphasises that DAISY does not replace any routine care, and that at this stage the research pilot is designed to simply assess DAISY’s functionality and compare its assessment to that of a clinician.
The project is being led by Dr Ol’Tunde Ashaolu, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Trust, alongside Professor Radu Calinescu from the University of York’s Department of Computer Science and Institute for Safe Autonomy. The pilot is being supported by the Trust’s Research and Innovation Team.
The team will investigate the social, legal, ethical, empathetic, and cultural concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence and social robotics in healthcare, while working closely with both clinicians and patients to address the challenges associated with the integration of this technology.
Dr Ashaolu explained: “Evidence shows patients survive more and live better lives when their ailments are identified and treated at the earliest stage. This device represents an important first step towards the development of a solution for automating key stages of the emergency department triage process, potentially reducing waiting times and clinical workload.”
Developed in partnership between the Trust and the University of York, the six-month research pilot has been made possible thanks to a charitable legacy left to the Trust by Elsie May Sykes, managed through York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.
Pictured are Consultant doctor, Ol’Tunde Ashaolu, DAISY, Research practitioner, Anna Waine, and Research nurse, Laura Barman.