The NHS is using AI to predict patients who are at risk of becoming frequent users of emergency services so staff can get them more appropriate care at an earlier stage.
The intervention will aims to ensure that people get the support they need earlier, while also reducing demand on pressured A&Es.
Over 360,000 patients attend A&E more than five times every year, but now, using data-powered initiatives to identify them, NHS teams are proactively reaching out with support before they walk through the front door of an emergency room.
High Intensity Use (HIU) services use the latest data to find the most regular attendees in their area to identify and resolve the reasons patients are coming forward for care so regularly – often associated with poverty and social isolation.
Amanda Pritchard, NHS Chief Executive said: “The NHS is going into winter busier than ever before and as ever, despite huge pressure and a potential ‘quad-demic’, our incredible staff are doing everything within their power to provide the best possible care to patients.
“We know that a small proportion of the population are much more likely to use A&E or ambulance services, so it is important we give them the targeted support they need this winter before they get to the front door of an emergency service – this is much better for them but will also help to relieve pressure on the NHS.
“Initiatives like using AI to spot those who may need extra support in the community help provide more personalised care and must be central to our 10 Year Health Plan.”
NHS teams in Wolverhampton have created a High Intensity Use service to recognise people in crisis and improve the health outcomes of those who face the highest deprivation and health inequalities in their area.
The service, combining community outreach with a dedicated clinical lead, led to a significant improvement in the wellbeing of frequent attenders and a reduction in hospital attendance by almost three fifths (58 per cent).
Health Minister Karin Smyth said: “We inherited a broken NHS that is dealing with record admissions heading into winter, which is why we’re investing £26 billion in the health service and have set out our Plan for Change to get the NHS back on its feet.
“But investment must come with reform, and these fantastic services are great examples of how innovation and partnership working can transform the NHS.
“They offer a double win for getting vulnerable patients the right support and saving the precious time of busy A&E staff.
“We want to share more of this best practice through the three shifts in our 10 Year Health Plan – moving from hospital to community, analogue to digital, and treatment to prevention.”
