NHS to deploy AI on app to direct patients to suitable services

The NHS will begin using AI on its app to direct patients to the appropriate services, it has been announced. The tool will be used to triage patients and to ascertain if they should be allocated a GP appointment. Some may be advised to attend a pharmacy or their local A&E department instead, depending on the severity of their condition.

Update in England expected to reach about 200,000 patients over the next year as part of £10bn package to overhaul NHS systems. The NHS app, which allows patients to book appointments, order prescriptions, and access their medical records, will be enhanced with the AI-powered triage system. The AI tool will help patients get the right care at the right time, reducing unnecessary visits to GPs and hospitals.

The move is part of a broader effort to modernize the NHS and make better use of technology to improve patient care. The £10bn package aims to overhaul NHS systems and improve services across England. The introduction of AI-powered triage on the NHS app has the potential to streamline patient care and reduce pressure on NHS services.

As the technology is rolled out, patients will be able to get quicker and more effective care, while also reducing the administrative burden on healthcare staff. Why this matters: The integration of AI into the NHS app marks a significant step in the modernization of the UK's healthcare system. By leveraging AI to triage patients, the NHS can optimize resource allocation, reduce wait times, and provide more targeted care.

For developers, this move highlights the growing demand for AI-powered healthcare solutions that can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems. For businesses, it underscores the potential for AI to drive efficiency and improve outcomes in the healthcare sector. For consumers, it means quicker access to the right care, which could lead to better health outcomes.

However, questions remain about the accuracy and fairness of AI-powered triage systems, as well as the need for ongoing evaluation and improvement to ensure that these systems are working effectively for all patients.