Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves in healthcare, and one of the latest breakthroughs is DERM—a tool designed to detect skin cancer using dermatoscope images. First introduced in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) in 2020, this AI tool has been proven to perform just as well as expert dermatologists, if not better!
In a recent review involving over 15,000 skin lesions, DERM correctly ruled out melanoma with an impressive accuracy of 99.8%, which means fewer unnecessary referrals and more time for dermatologists to focus on patients who actually need care. This is crucial as skin cancer referrals keep rising by 11% each year, putting massive pressure on the healthcare system.
The AI’s ability to quickly and accurately assess skin lesions means faster diagnoses and shorter waiting times. Plus, the system is so user-friendly that trained ancillary staff can take the images—freeing up dermatologists from routine screenings.
While DERM has proven itself as a reliable assistant in spotting skin cancer, ongoing evaluations will make sure it continues to meet high standards. This innovation shows just how powerful AI can be in tackling healthcare challenges—giving both patients and doctors a better experience.
