AI will be incorporated into primary care to improve the interpretation of chest X-rays

The Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS) has launched the deployment of a new artificial intelligence (AI) challenge aimed at improving the interpretation of chest X-rays in primary care. The initiative is part of the Salut/IA programme, coordinated by the Department of Health, and represents a new step in the integration of AI solutions into the Catalan Health System (SISCAT).

The project aims to provide diagnostic support tools for primary care professionals; reduce triage time and anomaly detection; help decrease the workload of radiologists; and provide evidence to support decision-making within the healthcare system.

The developed solution analyses chest X-rays using deep learning algorithms and assist in the classification and detection of different respiratory conditions, such as lung collapse, consolidation, pneumothorax and pleural effusion, as well as oncological conditions such as pulmonary nodules, among other possible applications. In addition, the tool includes a messaging and alert system to facilitate case management, as well as a continuous update service and the generation of follow-up reports.

The project is currently in its initial phase following the kick-off meeting held on 18 March 2026. The progressive deployment of the solution is expected to begin from May 2026 in Primary and Community Care (APiC) centres across Catalonia.

AQuAS leads the project as the entity responsible for the contract, monitoring, evaluation and validation of the solution, and coordinates the different activities with the support of various stakeholders in the system. The development of the technology has been awarded to NTT Data, which is responsible for the technical and operational implementation.

The project involves the participation of the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut) and other healthcare system stakeholders, with the collaboration of representatives from the TIC Salut Social Foundation, the Diagnostic Imaging Institute (IDI), and the Strategic Directorate for Primary and Community Care of the Department of Health, as well as members of a clinical expert committee.

This action is part of the project “AI-based solutions to support the interpretation of chest X-rays in the field of Primary Care” and has been funded by the European Union through NextGenerationEU funds, within the framework of the Recovery and Resilience Plan.