Using AI to ease A&E pressures
A new initiative using artificial intelligence (AI) and personalised clinical coaching is set to improve care for thousands of patients with long-term conditions across North East London.
Launched today, Thursday 12 December, by NHS North East London in partnership with Health Navigator, UCLPartners, and Barts Health NHS Trust, this three-year programme will proactively identify patients at risk of unplanned hospital visits and provide them with targeted support.
The programme uses advanced AI technology to screen patients and pinpoint those who could benefit from early intervention. Trained clinical coaches will then provide personalised advice and self-management techniques over the phone to help patients avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
This initiative comes at a critical time as urgent and emergency care services face record levels of demand. Forecasting models suggest it will significantly alleviate pressure on the NHS, with an anticipated annual reduction of:
- 13,000 A&E attendances.
- 26,673 unplanned bed days over three years.
Shane DeGaris, Group Chief Executive at Barts Health, states:
"By providing early, targeted support, we can deliver better outcomes for patients and reduce the pressure on emergency care services, particularly during the challenging winter months."
The programme’s success builds on a pilot in Staffordshire, which demonstrated reductions in emergency hospital visits, GP referrals to secondary care, and overall bed days.
Waltham Forest will lead the way in rolling out this initiative, with Whippps Cross Hospital taking the first steps. In the coming weeks, the programme will expand to other areas within North East London.
This innovative partnership is a vital step toward a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system, enhancing both patient care and NHS resilience.
Dr. Chris Laing, CEO of UCLPartners, highlights the programme’s broader implications:
"This project showcases how modern technology can deliver predictive, proactive, and preventive care tailored to local communities, while also reducing the burden on NHS services."