Key points from article :
A new AI-powered app developed by Holly Health, in collaboration with Loughborough University and Modality Partnership, is showing promise in helping NHS patients manage multimorbidity—living with two or more chronic conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Over a three-month pilot with more than 180 users, the app improved patient engagement in self-care by 21% and increased healthy habits, such as exercise and sleep, by 10%.
The app uses a Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) system, which combines behavioural science with machine learning to provide personalised, timely coaching. Using reinforcement learning, the system adapts to each user’s daily behaviours, learning what support works best and delivering increasingly effective guidance over time. This approach allows patients to build sustainable health habits while receiving support tailored to their unique needs.
Multimorbidity is a major challenge for the NHS, affecting about one in three adults and accounting for roughly 70% of total health and social care expenditure—an estimated £72 billion annually. By enabling personalised digital self-management, the Holly Health app could help reduce healthcare costs and pressures on NHS services, while empowering patients to take greater control of their health. Following these encouraging results, the project plans to expand testing to a larger patient population.
Dr. James Sanders (Loughborough University) and Holly Health CEO Grace Gimson highlighted that the combination of AI and behavioural science makes personalised lifestyle support scalable, helping patients with complex health needs take meaningful action toward better outcomes.
