Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) is currently conducting a trial of a conversational AI assistant named Dora. This digital assistant, developed by Ufonia, aims to streamline outpatient appointments in the ophthalmology department, ultimately reducing wait times and allowing healthcare professionals to see more patients.
Since its launch at MKUH on 29 July 2024 for post cataract follow-up appointments, Dora has been facilitating two-way follow-up calls with patients following surgery. It also engages in automated conversations with patients regarding their symptoms and the need for a second eye operation, in addition to addressing common queries and collecting feedback on the service provided.
According to a press release on the Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust website, the trial period for Dora spans 12 months. Ian Reckless, the chief medical officer at MKUH, expressed optimism about the potential benefits of using Dora to improve patient experience and streamline outpatient appointments.
Notably, Dora has already been successfully implemented in various NHS trusts, including Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, and others. The development of Dora was supported by Health Innovation Oxford and Thames Valley, which conducted feasibility studies and evaluated the cost benefits of incorporating the AI assistant into post-operative patient pathways.
Research published in The Lancet’s open access journal eClinicalMedicine highlighted the positive impact of Dora on patient care after cataract surgery. Additionally, Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust plans to introduce an intelligent patient portal (IPP) powered by EBO by October 2024.
The growing support for AI in healthcare is evident, with a study commissioned by the Health Foundation revealing that a majority of NHS staff and the public endorse the use of AI to enhance patient care. As the healthcare sector continues to embrace technology, strategic initiatives like dedicated AI strategies will play a crucial role in realizing the full potential of AI in healthcare.
