The NHS has recently launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool in order to predict emergency admissions and improve resources and treatment backlogs.
Indeed, this new A&E forecasting tool aims to help manage the Covid-19 backlogs and predict more accurately activity levels so as to free up staff, space, and resources. Doing so will allow the NHS to deliver more vital tests, checks, and procedures for patients.
The tool will provide better certainty on when emergency demand levels will be lower and thus when to prioritize elective care delivery. The admission forecasts will also be classified by age so staff can plan for specific bed needs, including for paediatric or elderly patients.
Moreover, the tool will enable staff in regional and national teams to locate the most in demands areas and coordinate proactive support. By using AI, the NHS aims to support hospitals and A&E as well as provide them with the accurate resources and capacity to deal with the demand and better care for people.
The tool was co-developed with frontline clinical and operational staff in nine pilot NHS trusts and will be rolled out to more than 100 NHS trusts.