AI screening technology is being used across NHS North East London to help identify patients with long term conditions and offer them “targeted, personalised phone-based clinical coaching from healthcare professionals trained in delivering preventative care and self-management techniques” with an aim to save on unplanned bed days.
The three-year programme, launched in collaboration with Health Navigator and UCLPartners, focuses on those at the greatest risk of requiring unplanned emergency care, with estimates that the new approach could lead to a saving of 26,673 unplanned bed days across the region, with “a potential reduction of 13,000 A&E attendances annually”.
Dr Paul Gilluley, chief medical officer at NHS North East London, highlighted how those living with long term conditions currently account for “50 percent of all GP appointments, 64 percent of outpatient visits, and over 70 percent of inpatient bed days”. The new programme represents “a landmark step in harnessing technology for preventative care to better support these patients before they reach crisis points”, he added.
Shane DeGaris, group chief executive at Barts Health NHS Trust, also shared results from a pilot study in Staffordshire, which showed the initiative had “a significant positive impact”, particularly in reducing deaths; and “notably a 46 percent reduction in men aged over 75”.
Wider trend: The shift to prevention and proactive care
A HTN Now panel discussion in October focused on topics including approaches to tackling challenges from an ICS perspective; new models of care and pathway transformation; the role of technology in supporting the move from reactive to proactive care; and how a system approach can accelerate preventative care. Panellists shared their insights and experiences, debating the role of technology in supporting and accelerating the move from reactive to proactive care, and the potential to tackle challenges from a regional perspective.
At the end of November, we were joined by experts from across the health sector to dissect the findings from Lord Darzi’s report, reflecting on what is holding the NHS back from innovation; the challenges and missed opportunities; the role of digital and tech in driving change; supporting a focus on prevention and promoting integrated care; shifting from “diagnose and treat” to “predict and prevent”; and realising digital integrated care and changes required in the short-term.
Last month, the Scottish Government’s annual update on progress toward the NHS Recovery Plan was published, highlighting the role of digital innovation in empowering patients, supporting preventative care, managing demand, and addressing inequalities; and noting specifically the progress made around developing a digital front door, enabling remote monitoring, and enhancing scheduling. The government also noted a planned update to the data strategy for health and social care is also expected in 2025 and highlighted the ongoing work to develop AI policy and guidance for health settings.
