Patients could be seen quicker this winter as hospitals across England increasingly use artificial intelligence to help predict when A&E departments will be busiest.
The A&E demand forecasting tool highlights how the government is using cutting-edge and emerging technologies to modernise public services and drive national renewal. Available to all NHS Trusts, it is already in use by 50 NHS organisations – helping them plan how many people are likely to need emergency care and treatment on any given day.
For NHS staff, this means smarter planning for shifts and bed space in the long-term, reducing last-minute pressure thanks to clearer forecasts which spot potential bottlenecks. For patients, it will ultimately mean shorter waiting times during busy periods – ensuring people get the care they need more quickly.
This winter has already seen record flu cases putting additional pressure on emergency departments, while Christmas typically adds to this pressure with festive challenges such as icy falls and other seasonal illnesses.
More than 18 million flu vaccines have been delivered this autumn hundreds of thousands more than the same point last year. With the tool being constantly trained on seasonal health data, it will help to spot surges in demand for health services before they happen – giving hospitals the opportunity to put staff in the right place at the right time.
The tool uses this data to highlight regular pinch points where demand is likely to be higher across the course of the year. That includes a wide range of areas, from Met Office temperature forecasts and hospital admissions through to which days of the week are busier than others. This data then produces forecasts for the coming days and weeks, which hospitals can use to manage resources more effectively.
“AI is already improving healthcare by speeding up diagnosis and unlocking new treatments. Now we are going a step further,” said Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.
“By helping to predict demand, this AI forecasting tool is getting patients the care they need faster while supporting our incredible NHS staff. That means easing pressure by ensuring the NHS is at the forefront of the latest technology during the busiest time of year.”
Leave a Reply