NHS to Use AI to Reduce A&E Pressures by Supporting Frequent Visitors

This initiative aims to alleviate hospital pressures by providing targeted assistance to those at risk of repeated unplanned visits.

The National Health Service (NHS) is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and support patients who frequently visit Accident & Emergency (A&E) departments.

This initiative aims to alleviate hospital pressures by providing targeted assistance to those at risk of repeated unplanned visits.

More than 360,000 patients visit A&E over five times annually, according to NHS data.

To address this issue, health officials are expanding “high-intensity use” (HIU) schemes that provide tailored preventative care for frequent visitors and those identified as likely to become repeat users.

In northeast London, AI-powered software analyzes hospital data to predict which patients are at higher risk of returning to A&E.

Healthcare workers proactively contact patients with chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes and offer personalized advice on self-management and preventative care.

High-Intensity Use Services

Hospitals across the country are adopting HIU services to provide social, emotional, and practical support to frequent A&E visitors.

At South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a dedicated key worker supported 20 of the heaviest A&E users, reducing their visits by more than half.

In some cases, patients previously attending 33 times a year saw significant improvements.

More than 125 A&E departments have implemented similar HIU schemes, focusing on factors such as social isolation and mental health issues.

These services provide coaching and community support to address the underlying causes of repeated hospital visits.

The HIU service at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton achieved a 58% reduction in A&E attendance by targeting those facing deprivation and health inequalities.

Norfolk Community Health and Care NHS Trust reported comparable success, working with over 400 frequent A&E users to reduce hospital dependency.

A Central Part of NHS Strategy

NHS Chief Executive Amanda Pritchard emphasized the importance of such initiatives during the winter months when hospital pressures intensify.

“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,” Pritchard said.

She added that using AI to deliver personalized care aligns with the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan and benefits both patients and hospital systems by addressing health issues before they escalate into emergencies.

With AI tools and HIU services, the NHS is taking a proactive stance in managing patient care.

By identifying those most in need of support and offering tailored interventions, the healthcare system aims to improve patient outcomes while easing the strain on emergency services.

Stay tuned for more such updates on Digital Health News.