AI technology can now assess antimicrobial resistance in ICU patients on the same day, which is crucial for preventing sepsis, a life-threatening condition that often follows antibiotic-resistant infections. Traditionally, testing for resistant infections takes up to five days, a delay that can severely impact ICU patients.
Researchers from King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust developed an AI model that quickly identifies bloodstream infections and antibiotic resistance, allowing clinicians to make faster, more accurate treatment decisions. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces the risk of further antimicrobial resistance by enabling targeted antibiotic use, thus preserving effective treatments.
The study analysed data from over 1,100 patients, with plans to expand to 20,000+ cases across multiple hospitals. By leveraging AI, researchers hope to streamline infection diagnostics in the NHS, making care more efficient, affordable, and ultimately safer for patients.