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A new artificial intelligence (AI) model, named Foresight, is being developed to predict future health conditions and complications by analysing NHS data from 57 million people in England. Spearheaded by researchers at University College London (UCL) and King’s College London (KCL), the project aims to revolutionize healthcare by enabling more proactive and preventative care. The AI system uses technology similar to that of ChatGPT, but instead of predicting text, it analyses patients' medical histories to forecast potential health issues, such as hospitalizations and the onset of diseases.
Currently, the AI is being trained with datasets including hospital admissions, A&E attendances, and Covid-19 vaccination rates. This information, stripped of personal details, helps the AI model predict the risk of conditions such as strokes or hospitalizations. The goal is to identify risks early, enabling doctors to intervene before serious complications occur. For example, Foresight could recommend personalized treatment plans, such as optimizing medications to improve blood pressure control.
The model has already been tested on Covid-19 outcomes, with plans to extend its reach to over 1,000 conditions. The data used is securely stored in NHS England’s Secure Data Environment, ensuring patient privacy while supporting the development of this cutting-edge technology. The study, published in Lancet Digital Health in March 2024, demonstrated that Foresight could accurately predict health trajectories. Dr. Vin Diwakar of NHS England emphasized that this initiative is a crucial step toward personalized, preventative care.
