The UK is set to implement an AI platform designed to predict falls and illnesses among the elderly to reduce hospital admissions. This technology, developed by Cera, achieves 97% accuracy in predicting falls and will also monitor symptoms of seasonal illnesses. With tests showing a significant reduction in falls and potential savings in hospital admissions, officials see it as a transformative addition to community care and a part of the NHS’s 10 Year Health Plan.
The UK is set to embrace a revolutionary AI platform aimed at reducing hospital admissions by predicting falls and illnesses among the elderly. Originally piloted by Cera, this technology boasts a striking 97% accuracy in forecasting falls at home, leading to an imminent nationwide rollout. The software will also be employed to identify early symptoms of seasonal illnesses such as Covid-19 and flu, allowing care teams to act swiftly.
Cera primarily provides social care in partnership with the NHS and local authorities. Their Fall Prevention AI platform collects patient data through a smartphone app, evaluating fall risks based on detailed caregiver logs. Armed with this information, caregivers can ensure patients stay hydrated, have necessary assistive devices, and have unobstructed access to key areas in their homes.
Currently utilized within 29 out of 42 integrated care systems in the UK, the software has exhibited promising results during pilot tests which were conducted in mid-2023. These trials, involving nearly 3,000 patients, reportedly resulted in a 20% reduction in falls, paving the way for an anticipated prevention of 250,000 falls annually, equating to a staggering 675 falls a day.
Cera is also leveraging AI to monitor and predict illnesses before they escalate, aiming to reduce hospital admissions by 500,000 each year. Dr. Ben Maruthappu, Cera’s chief executive, highlighted the urgency of their mission by stating that falls and infections can drastically impact the lives of the elderly. He believes their technology plays a vital role in maintaining health and saving lives.
Dr. Vin Diwakar from NHS England expressed optimism over the integration of this cutting-edge technology, noting the potential to enhance patient care and alleviate pressures throughout the NHS, especially as winter approaches. He emphasized that falls are a significant contributor to hospital admissions, costing the NHS an estimated £2 billion annually.
In alignment with the Government’s 10 Year Health Plan, which encourages technology adoption in the NHS, Dr. Diwakar characterized this AI tool as pivotal in reshaping patient care, promoting safety at home, and limiting unnecessary hospitalizations. Dr. Maruthappu termed home care technology a “game-changer,” stating it could dramatically improve health outcomes for vulnerable individuals and empower them to thrive independently in their homes.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock affirmed the importance of such innovative solutions, recognizing that roughly one-third of adults over 65 experience falls each year. He called this initiative a prime example of the preventative healthcare transformation outlined in the health plan, shifting the focus from treating illnesses to empowering individuals to remain healthy at home, all aided by the latest digital advances.
Our technology is saving lives by preventing these health emergencies from happening – reducing avoidable hospitalisations, freeing up beds in wards, and drastically easing pressures on the healthcare system.
Dr. Ben Maruthappu
We know falls are the leading cause of hospital admissions in older people, causing untold suffering, affecting millions each year and costing the NHS around £2 billion, so this new software has the potential to be a real game-changer in the way we can predict, prevent and treat people in the community.
Dr. Vin Diwakar
I am determined that we harness cutting-edge technology to help our most vulnerable citizens receive expert care at home.
Health minister Stephen Kinnock
