The NHS is expanding the use of AI technology to reduce missed appointments and improve efficiency in healthcare services. Following a successful pilot at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, the AI software predicts likely missed appointments and offers back-up bookings based on various factors such as weather, traffic, and job schedules.
This innovative approach has already led to a 30% decrease in missed appointments, preventing 377 DNAs during the pilot period and allowing an additional 1,910 patients to be seen. By continuing this program, the trust could potentially save £27.5 million annually.
Deep Medical, the company behind the technology, is co-founded by Dr Benyamin Deldar and AI expert David Hanbury. Dr Deldar emphasized the impact of the AI software in utilizing more appointment slots efficiently, saving money, and providing essential care to the public.
The AI software will now be implemented in ten more NHS trusts across England, focusing on elective care recovery post-pandemic to reduce long wait times for routine care. With millions of missed appointments costing the NHS billions annually, the use of AI technology is crucial in improving patient care and optimizing resources.
Other innovative approaches, such as process mining at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, are also being piloted to improve patient pathways and reduce missed appointments. By leveraging AI technology, healthcare providers are making significant strides in enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
