AQuAS leads the deployment of an AI solution for diabetic retinopathy screening in primary care

The Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS) has begun the deployment of a new artificial intelligence solution designed to improve diabetic retinopathy screening in primary care. The initiative is part of the diabetic retinopathy challenge of the Salut IA Programme, coordinated by the Department of Health, and represents progress in the incorporation of AI solutions within the Catalan Health System (SISCAT). As the purchaser of the technology and the body responsible for its monitoring, validation and evaluation, AQuAS is leading this strategic project.

At present, diabetic retinopathy screening is protocol based and family doctors carry out the initial assessment. Once patients have been assessed, primary care professionals send to ophthalmology the retinal images considered pathological or doubtful. At this stage, ophthalmologists decide, based on the retinal image, whether the patient should be examined in a clinical consultation.

The new AI solution will automatically analyse these images and support professionals in classifying patients according to their risk of diabetic retinopathy. This is expected to improve early detection and the efficiency of the care pathway, reducing waiting times and avoiding unnecessary tests. Although similar technologies already exist in hospital settings, this is the first time they are being introduced into primary care.

The procurement of the technology has been awarded by AQuAS to the company Evidenze, which specialises in health knowledge management services and solutions. The deployment includes an analysis of the situation of healthcare centres and their infrastructures; the design of integration with the SISCAT systems and the Digital Medical Imaging System of Catalonia (SIMDCAT); technical implementation and interoperability testing; progressive rollout in Primary Care Centres and training for primary care professionals across the ten health regions; and a final phase of monitoring and continuous improvement.

AQuAS leads the validation and evaluation of the project and supports the entire process by contributing its expertise in data, innovation and health technology assessment. Collaboration with CatSalut, which is responsible for installation and technological deployment, and with the other SISCAT stakeholders, reinforces a shared commitment to move towards a more preventive, efficient and citizen centred care model.

This project is funded by European NextGenerationEU funds within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.