GP Patient Access: Transforming Healthcare with AI Technology

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare system, GP practices across the UK are embracing new technology to revolutionise patient care. As waiting times increase and demand for services grows, innovative AI-based technology is providing solutions that benefit both healthcare professionals and service users.

Introduction to Patient Access

Patient Access is a convenient online platform that enables patients to manage their healthcare needs remotely. This innovative system connects patients with their GP practice, allowing them to access various healthcare services from the comfort of their own homes. With Patient Access, patients can discover local health services, book GP appointments, and even request repeat prescriptions online.

Patient Access also provides easy access to various health topics written by GPs, ensuring patients stay informed about their health.

What is the Patient Access Platform?

Patient Access is a secure online platform that provides patients with easy access to their healthcare information and services. This system is designed to improve patient care and enhance the overall healthcare experience. By using Patient Access, patients can take control of their healthcare needs, communicate with their GP practice remotely, and access a range of healthcare services at their convenience.

Patient Safety and Security

Patient safety and security are top priorities in the healthcare system. Patient Access is committed to ensuring that patient information and medical records are protected with the highest standards of online security.

Healthcare Patient Access Connects: Bridging the Digital Divide

The Patient Access platform has transformed how some people interact with their local health services. Whether using a mobile or home computer, patients can now:

• Book GP appointments seamlessly

• Order repeat prescriptions

• Access health records securely

• Connect with their preferred pharmacy

• Review care records and test results

• Monitor blood pressure and other vital statistics

These digital innovations are particularly beneficial for supporting people in extraordinary circumstances or those at higher risk who may struggle with traditional access methods.

But What About Digital Exclusion?

However, many patients (68% to be precise) prefer to call their surgery, rather than book GP appointments online. So, it may seem surprising to see that the Patient Access platform is only available to patients who can get online - leading to a feeling of digital exclusion by those who prefer (or need) to talk by phone.

GP practices need to do more to support patient access to their own care by phone. AI paves the way for bridging the gap between phone and online engagement.

Discover Local Health Services: AI-Powered Healthcare Navigation

AI tools are revolutionising how patients discover and connect with local health services in their area. From the North East to nationwide, AI algorithms can help:

• Direct patients to appropriate care pathways

• Reduce call waiting times and improve access to care

• Offer valuable insights into available services

• Support mental health resource allocation

• Guide treatment decisions based on clinical guidelines

QuantumLoopAi's systems have demonstrated remarkable success in improving call handling for GP surgeries - answering all calls within 3 rings and significantly improving patient experience on the phone. You can find out more about this in a case study here.

Healthcare Access: The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Modern healthcare excels when human intelligence is combined with AI-based technology to deliver exceptional care. These systems:

• Perform tasks that previously required extensive human intervention

• Support clinical decision making with automated processes

• Maintain high standards of online security

• Provide proactive steps for preventive care

• Enable remote access to healthcare professionals

Clinical trials have shown that AI models can effectively:

• Diagnose diseases with high accuracy

• Identify potential heart disease risks

• Screen for skin cancer

• Analyse CT scans

As a result of these efficiency gains, healthcare providers, in particularly the NHS, are rapidly adopting AI in various areas. At QuantumLoopAi we are focussed on delivering AI solutions to GP surgeries, so let's explore the difference AI is making at this level in the NHS.

GP Practice: Enhancing Clinical Practice with AI Applications

For GP practices, implementing AI technology offers numerous benefits, spanning efficiency, access to care and analytical insights. Some of the most exciting areas we expect to see artificial intelligence applied in the NHS over the coming years are:

Improved Patient Outcomes

• Better treatment decisions through AI-assisted analysis

• Enhanced patient flow management

• More accurate clinical guidelines implementation

• Reduced waiting times for appointments

• Improved access to health and social care services

Efficient Practice Management

• Real-time data analysis for resource allocation

• Streamlined patient access systems

• Better management of high-risk patients

• Enhanced digital technology integration

• Improved care records management

Supporting Healthcare Professionals

• Reduced administrative burden

• More time for direct patient care

• Better access to clinical information

• Enhanced decision-making support

• Improved work-life balance

Realistic AI Deployment in GP Surgeries

The above areas present a dazzling array of opportunities for GP surgeries to become more efficient through the use of AI, but the reality is that any investment in new technology needs to be carefully balanced against the priorities for health care within each surgery.

As a result, many GP surgeries look for immediate impact from an AI system to improve care access. One solution that does exactly this is EMMA from QuantumLoopAi - tackling the '8am rush' and supporting stretched reception staff, by automatically handling over 82% of inbound calls.

By tackling such an immediate need, this takes the pressure off staff at the surgery, so they can improve patient care navigation and even saves the surgery costs associated with temporary cover, recruiting and training reception staff. By reducing call volumes, admin staff are able to divert their skills to more fulfilling patient interactions, improving job satisfaction and making it easier to recruit (or cover for) staff in these roles.

The Future of Healthcare Access

As researchers found in recent studies, the potential benefits of AI in healthcare continue to grow. While some factors may vary depending on local area and specific health conditions, the overall impact of AI technology on healthcare access is overwhelmingly positive.

QuantumLoopAi's systems have demonstrated that integrating AI tools with existing NHS login and patient access systems can:

1. Reduce call waiting times to just 3 rings

2. Enhance patient satisfaction

3. Automatically follow up dropped calls and re-engage

4. Improve call handling efficiency by over 128%

5. Reduce staff burnout and improve job satisfaction

Conclusion: Transforming Healthcare Through Technology

The future of patient access to NHS services lies in the successful integration of AI technology with traditional healthcare services. While AI systems may occasionally produce inaccurate results and require human intelligence to oversee operations, the benefits outweigh the extra oversight needed.

By embracing these innovations, GP practices can:

• Improve patient access to and experience of the surgery

• Support better health outcomes

• Reduce administrative burdens

• Provide more efficient, patient-centred care

As we continue to develop and refine these systems, the potential for AI to transform healthcare access and improve patient care becomes increasingly clear.

Artificial intelligence is already transforming how some patients engage with their GP surgery. Platforms like EMMA from QuantumLoopAi provide invaluable support for those without easy online access to NHS platforms like Patient Access.