MARKET CONSULTATION - Artificial Intelligence Mammography Software for BreastCheck Radiology National Screening Service

Description

The Health Service Executive (HSE), National Screening Service (NSS) operates four population-based programmes in Ireland serving over 1.5 million eligible citizens annually - representing one of Europe's most comprehensive screening systems. One of the programmes is BreastCheck – the national breast screening programme. All modern breast screening programmes face increasing operational pressures including rising patient volumes, radiologist workforce shortages, and growing demands for faster turnaround times while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The complexity of mammographic interpretation, combined with the need for consistent performance across large screening populations, creates challenges in delivering timely, high-quality care. Reader fatigue and workload pressures can impact diagnostic consistency, particularly during extended screening sessions. Additionally, there is mounting pressure to improve early detection rates while minimizing false positives and unnecessary recalls. To address these challenges and enhance our screening programme's effectiveness, we are exploring AI solutions that can augment radiologist capabilities, improve workflow efficiency, and maintain consistent diagnostic performance across our national screening network. As part of our due diligence process for implementing AI technology in BreastCheck, the NSS are conducting a comprehensive premarket consultation with potential AI solution providers. This consultation aims to evaluate available technologies against our specific clinical, technical, and regulatory requirements before making procurement decisions. The Health Service Executive (HSE), National Screening Service (NSS) operates four population-based programmes in Ireland serving over 1.5 million eligible citizens annually - representing one of Europe's most comprehensive screening systems. One of the programmes is BreastCheck – the national breast screening programme. All modern breast screening programmes face increasing operational pressures including rising patient volumes, radiologist workforce shortages, and growing demands for faster turnaround times while maintaining diagnostic accuracy. The complexity of mammographic interpretation, combined with the need for consistent performance across large screening populations, creates challenges in delivering timely, high-quality care. Reader fatigue and workload pressures can impact diagnostic consistency, particularly during extended screening sessions. Additionally, there is mounting pressure to improve early detection rates while minimizing false positives and unnecessary recalls. To address these challenges and enhance our screening programme's effectiveness, we are exploring AI solutions that can augment radiologist capabilities, improve workflow efficiency, and maintain consistent diagnostic performance across our national screening network. As part of our due diligence process for implementing AI technology in BreastCheck, the NSS are conducting a comprehensive premarket consultation with potential AI solution providers. This consultation aims to evaluate available technologies against our specific clinical, technical, and regulatory requirements before making procurement decisions.