The DERM system, developed by the UK-based company Skin Analytics, was implemented at St Luke’s Hospital in Bradford on April 30. The technology uses smartphone images taken with a dermoscopic attachment to analyze skin lesions for potential cancer. Each algorithm-generated report is reviewed by a medical professional.
Following the integration, the clinic increased its capacity from 24 to 32 patients per session, while unnecessary biopsies decreased by approximately 10%. Bradford Teaching Hospitals is the first NHS trust in West Yorkshire to adopt this solution, which is currently utilized by 40 such organizations across the country.
The system demonstrates a 99.9% negative predictive value for melanoma and 98% sensitivity for all skin cancer types, according to post-market surveillance. A study of 33,700 cases commissioned by NHS England reported a 99.8% negative predictive value for melanoma, compared to 98.9% for dermatologists.
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has conditionally recommended DERM for NHS use for a three-year period. During this time, the organization plans to collect additional data regarding the clinical and economic effectiveness of the platform.
