Independent Evaluation finds Metadvice AI is an Effective Tool for Reducing Clinician Workload in UK Primary Care
Unity Insights was commissioned by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex, facilitated by the Office of Life Sciences commission, to evaluate the application of the Metadvice artificial intelligence (AI) precision clinical guidance tool within the Ball Tree Surgery in Lancing and Sompting PCN.
The Metadvice AI-powered solution leverages patient-specific data, academic literature, and clinical guidance documents to provide personalised treatment recommendations that support clinical decision making.
Co-production between Metadvice, Unity Insights, GP partners, and key stakeholders in the Sussex ICS system was facilitated by Health Innovation KSS, ensuring a fundamentally collaborative approach amongst a core project group including evaluation partners and ICS commissioners spanning long term conditions and digital health.
Implementation in the Ball Tree Surgery, which serves approximately 15,000 patients, focused on cardiometabolic disease management and aimed to support the transition of lipid clinics from a GP-led to pharmacist-led model.
The Unity Insights evaluation concluded that Metadvice solution is considered by its users to be an effective tool for reducing clinician workload having identified potential workforce efficiency savings of over £60,000 annually if used in all CVD-related GP and pharmacist appointments at Ball Tree Surgery, resulting from reduced appointment times. These benefits represent monetary gain from capacity creation amongst clinicians, hence are not directly cash-releasing.
Clinicians at Ball Tree Surgery provided positive feedback, citing considerable time savings and increased speed in clinical decision-making. They also expressed a willingness to recommend the tool to their peers.
“It’s extremely quick and useful.” said Sarah Cosgrove, Lead Pharmacist at Ball Tree Surgery. “I’m using it for every patient to help with my next treatment decision.”
Dr. Shona Schofield, GP Partner and PCN Clinical Director, highlighted the benefits of the Metadvice solution in a recent presentation at the HeartUK Tackling Cholesterol Together Roadshow in Kent.
She noted, “Metadvice makes it easier to manage the workload and means patients can see the right person to help them… allowing the team to spend more time with the patient and understand what’s most important to them.”
Ball Tree Surgery’s adoption of this innovative technology showcases their commitment to pioneering personalised medicine and advancing health equity. The positive reception from clinicians further supports the potential for widespread adoption in primary care settings across the UK.
Learn more about how the Ball Tree Surgery is utilising Metadvice to support CVD interventions.
About Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex
Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex (Health Innovation KSS) is one of the 15 health innovation networks across England, established by NHS England in 2013 in partnership with the Office of Life Sciences, to improve health and generate economic growth by spreading innovation at pace and scale.
About Unity Insights
Unity Insights offers bespoke analytics and evaluation services to the NHS, academia, innovators, and industry. Our impartial services facilitate evidence-based decision-making and the proliferation of innovations, driving improvements across health and social care. Through employment of evaluative, analytical, and health economic methods, we critically assess crucial factors in the adoption of new technologies and services within the health and social care system, allowing public and private stakeholders to make informed and qualified decisions on the development, implementation, and commissioning of leading-edge products and transformational services in healthcare.