GP practices could soon use AI to reduce ‘no-show’ appointments by a third

GP practices could soon benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) software that reduces the number of ‘no-shows’ at third-party appointments.

Every month, more than a million people do not show up for their doctor’s appointment.

In 2022, then Prime Minister Rishi Sunak proposed a £10 fine for missing appointments, but was forced to back down after the scheme was criticized by GPs.

Now an AI system, tested in a Norfolk GP practice, could be rolled out to tackle the problem.

GP practices could soon benefit from artificial intelligence (AI) software that reduces ‘no-shows’ at third party appointments (Stock Image)

An AI system, trialled at a GP practice in Norfolk, could be rolled out to tackle the problem (Stock Image)

The technology, called SystmOne DNA, analyzes patient records and identifies patients with a history of missing appointments.

A text message is then automatically sent at 5 p.m. the day before the scheduled visit to remind the patient of the appointment.

Karen Bell, operations manager at Trinity and Bowthorpe GP practice in Norwich, which has 11,000 patients, said AI has reduced no-shows by 30 per cent.

“This amounts to hundreds of appointments since the start of the pilot,” she added.