AI Tool Revolutionizes Colonoscopy Audits

Colonoscopies are one of the most effective ways to prevent colorectal cancer, which is surging among young adults in the U.S. Yet, the quality of each procedure can vary substantially from one physician to another. As a result, medical societies recommend routinely reviewing every colonoscopist - something that's challenging and time-consuming for practices to implement.

Now, a team of Northwestern Medicine scientists has developed an AI tool that rapidly and successfully measures colonoscopy quality by reviewing footage of the procedure. See a video demonstrating how the tool works here .

In a study of nearly 19,000 colonoscopies published last month in The American Journal of Gastroenterology, the Northwestern team demonstrated the tool's high accuracy by comparing its quality measurements with those of nurses and other clinicians. The authors say the study marks the first time an AI tool is shown to comprehensively measure the quality of thousands of colonoscopies.