Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust Implements AI Communication Platform to Improve Patient Care
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust has successfully introduced an integrated AI solution and communications platform aimed at reducing missed appointments and improving waiting times. The solution, which was rolled out across the entire trust on July 30, 2024, follows a pilot phase that took place from March to September 2023 across urology, dermatology, and pain management specialties.
During the pilot phase, Deep Medical’s AI solution was seamlessly integrated into Healthcare Communications’ Webex Connect platform, resulting in a significant reduction of almost a third in did not attends (DNAs) over a six-month period. Erica White, programme director at Mid and South Essex, expressed great satisfaction with the outcomes of the pilot, stating that it has helped optimize resource utilization, reduce no-shows, and facilitate patient movement off waiting lists.
The AI solution utilized by Deep Medical analyzes various human behavior insights from trust data to predict DNAs, taking into account factors such as a patient’s job, childcare responsibilities, live traffic, and weather conditions. This allows for the offering of alternative booking options to patients. Subsequently, Webex Connect leverages this segmented data to send personalized messages to patients, reminding them of appointments and providing the option to reschedule if necessary.
Dr. Benyamin Deldar, co-founder of Deep Medical and former NHS doctor, emphasized the importance of their partnership with Healthcare Communications in improving patient care and optimizing clinician time. He highlighted the significance of leveraging AI and proactive, scalable communications to address the NHS’s challenges and enhance patient outcomes.
Following the successful pilot at Mid and South Essex, NHS England announced plans to expand the implementation of Deep Medical’s AI solution to an additional 10 NHS trusts in March 2024. This strategic expansion signifies the growing recognition of the value of AI technology in revolutionizing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient experiences.
