THE NHS APP is set to launch a new AI triage tool, designed to help direct patients to the most appropriate services, with a view to cutting waiting times and improving care.
AI Triage Tool
The tool will be rolled out following a successful trial.
It is set to reach more than 200,000 patients within the next 12 months and be available to all NHS App users by April 2028, the NHS has reported.
It provides clinicians with relevant information to prioritise care or refers patients to various services, including GP appointments, pharmacy, A&E, community service, and self-care advice, by adapting questions depending on responses to gain detailed overviews of a patient’s condition.
An initial trial at a GP practice in Sussex resulted in a 29% reduction in the number of people queuing on the phone, helping to mitigate the 8am rush while maintaining patient satisfaction levels.
Patients will also have the option of using traditional methods to contact their GP practice alongside the new tool.
Overhaul of Health Service Technology
Over the next three years, 10 billion GBP of funding will reportedly be used for an overhaul of the health service’s technology, digital, and data systems.
The NHS has also announced widespread access to AI notetaking tools to reduce administration workloads for NHS staff.
Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England, London, UK, said: “The major overhaul of tech we’re making over the next few years will transform services.
“The new AI tool in the NHS App will help get patients to the best service for their needs first time – whether that’s a GP appointment, trip to a pharmacy, or advice on caring for themselves at home – so that clinicians can make sure those most in need of a GP appointment can get one sooner.
“We’re also seeing huge benefits from the introduction of AI notetaking tools, with clinicians finding they’re able to spend up to a quarter more of their time with patients, so we’re rolling out the tools as quickly as possible across the NHS.”
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