Software will figure out number of beds needed – up to three weeks ahead
At least 100 NHS trusts in England are to start using machine-learning software to predict the number of patients expected to be admitted to Accident and Emergency departments each day. The tool, built by British startup Faculty, aims to help managers figure out how best to allocate staff and resources during predicted surges, up to three weeks in advance. « By better forecasting patient demand, we are helping staff tackle treatment backlogs by showing them who is set to be admitted, what their needs are, and which staff are needed to treat them, » Myles Kirby, director of Health and Life Sciences at Faculty, said in a statement to The Register. The software is said to provide detailed predictions, estimating the number and age of people it expects to arrive at A&E. Guessing people’s ages allows the NHS to prepare freeing up beds at different departments to care for children at pediatric units or provide better support for elderly patients when rates of A&E admission are expected to be high.
