AI’s role in enhancing patient care and system capacity

Andrew Rut, CEO of the medical AI firm Metadvice, explains how Artificial Intelligence could vastly improve healthcare delivery and patient care

The UK’s healthcare system is on the cusp of a digital revolution, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) playing a pivotal role. This transformation is not just about enhancing healthcare delivery but fundamentally reshaping patient care, especially in managing chronic diseases and multimorbidity.

Early detection and triage with AI

A significant challenge in healthcare is the late diagnosis of conditions like heart failure. The NHS Long Term Plan highlights that 80% of heart failure cases are diagnosed in hospitals despite many patients exhibiting earlier symptoms. AI can change this. By equipping tools like ECG-enabled stethoscopes with AI, we can detect reduced left ventricular function in primary care, ensuring earlier intervention for high-risk patients. This approach is crucial for timely and targeted interventions, significantly improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare systems.

Optimising chronic disease management

Chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are notoriously challenging to manage effectively. Currently, only 20-25% of patients with these conditions are managed to target. AI-powered systems offer a solution by providing personalised treatment recommendations based on real-time patient data. This precision in care ensures that patients receive the most effective treatment promptly, significantly increasing the percentage of patients managed effectively.

Enhancing capabilities of healthcare professionals to improve patient care

AI equips healthcare professionals with the tools to practice precision medicine. This is particularly vital in managing patients with multimorbidity, where a one-size-fits-all approach is often ineffective. AI-driven insights ensure that all patients receive the best possible care regardless of their condition’s complexity. This not only improves patient outcomes but also increases the capacity within the healthcare system.

Addressing multimorbidity with AI

Multimorbidity, the presence of multiple chronic conditions in a patient, is a growing concern in healthcare. Studies indicate that globally, about one-third of adults have multimorbidity, rising to over 50% among those with chronic health conditions. In England, a study involving more than 400,000 people found a 27.2% prevalence of multimorbidity, with rates increasing with age and higher in females (30%) compared to males (24.4%). AI’s ability to analyse complex patient data and provide tailored care plans is invaluable in managing these cases, offering a more effective approach to healthcare delivery.

Enhancing patient engagement and self-management

AI also enables patients to be more active participants in their healthcare. Through AI-driven tools, patients can monitor their health, understand their conditions better, and make informed decisions about their care. This active engagement fosters a deeper understanding of their health, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle changes, enhancing health outcomes and increasing system capacity.

Bridging the gap in health inequalities

AI plays a crucial role in addressing health inequalities. By providing consistent, evidence-based recommendations, AI ensures that all patients can access the best possible care, regardless of their socioeconomic status. This is particularly important in areas with higher prevalence rates of chronic multimorbidity.

AI and the NHS’s net-zero goals

Digital solutions, including AI, are instrumental in the NHS’s pursuit of net-zero goals. AI-driven systems optimise healthcare delivery, reducing the need for physical consultations and associated travel, thereby lowering carbon emissions. Moreover, AI enhances resource management in healthcare facilities, leading to more efficient operations with reduced waste and energy consumption.

Conclusion

Integrating AI in the UK’s healthcare system improves health outcomes and paves the way for a more sustainable healthcare model. This digital transformation, underpinned by AI, is essential for meeting our population’s evolving needs and ensuring our healthcare system’s long-term viability.