Thousands of people across North East London are set to benefit from personalised clinical coaching under a new NHS initiative that harnesses AI technology to better support those living with long-term health conditions.
NHS North East London, in collaboration with Health Navigator and UCLPartners, has today (Thursday 12 December) launched a new, three-year programme, providing preventative care for patients at greatest risk of needing unplanned emergency care.
This comes at a time when urgent and emergency care services in north east London are facing unprecedented pressure and demand is at an all-time high.
The initiative is designed to identify and better support people with long-term conditions, such as asthma, by helping them stay well and avoid the need for unplanned care.
Through advanced AI screening technology, patients who can benefit most will be identified and offered targeted, personalised phone-based clinical coaching from healthcare professionals trained in delivering preventative care and self-management techniques.
Partners estimate that the programme will save 26,673 unplanned bed days across north east London, with a potential reduction of 13,000 A&E attendances annually.
Dr Paul Gilluley, Chief Medical Officer at NHS North East London, said: “More than 15 million people in England live with one or more long-term conditions, accounting for 50% of all GP appointments, 64% of outpatient visits, and over 70% of inpatient bed days.
“This new approach represents a landmark step in harnessing technology for preventative care to better support these patients before they reach crisis points.”
Shane DeGaris, Group Chief Executive at Barts Health NHS Trust, added: “As winter approaches, the pressure on A&E services is rising. By predicting demand and providing earlier interventions, we can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the NHS.”
Supported by the largest randomised controlled trial to date on AI-assisted preventative care, the initiative had a significant positive impact when piloted in Staffordshire, particularly in reducing deaths, notably a 46% reduction in men aged over 75.
Patients who received clinical coaching showed marked improvements in their wellbeing. This also resulted in significant reductions in the demand for urgent and emergency care services, with a 34% reduction in emergency attendances and a 25% reduction in bed days. Additionally, results showed a 26% reduction in GP referrals to secondary care, further supporting sustainable healthcare delivery.
Tim, who benefited from clinical coaching when it was piloted in Staffordshire, said:
“If you are brave enough to take control with the help of the coach you truly can make a difference to the immediate crises as they turn up. In my case I went from being an asthmatic, to someone who happens to have asthma. I went from six admissions to hospital to none within a couple of months.”
Waltham Forest will be the first borough to receive this new initiative through Barts Health NHS Trust and Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
The AI technology and clinical coaching will then be implemented throughout the rest of north east London over coming months, also benefiting patients in Barking and Dagenham, City of London, Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Tower Hamlets.
Dr Chris Laing, Chief Executive Officer of UCLPartners, said: “This project provides a template for how the NHS can use modern technology to deliver predictive, proactive and preventive care that is customised for local communities and prioritises those most in need of our help.
“Our collaboration with Health Navigator and NHS North East London will not only enhance the lives of at-risk patients but will also relieve critical pressure on our healthcare system too, aligning with the government’s prevention priority.”
Dr Simon Swift, Chief Executive of Health Navigator, said: “Our AI-driven technology, combined with personalised clinical coaching, has consistently demonstrated its ability to improve patient lives and shift care, allowing hospitals to be more productive.
“This collaboration represents a major step forward in proactive, preventative healthcare. We’re confident that this program will enhance the quality of life for patients and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable healthcare system.”
