Making AI triage more accurate for patients contacting their GP
Improving the Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence Triage in Primary Care
This project will test whether updated AI in the Patchs online consultation system can make triage decisions more accurate and fair for patients contacting GP practices in England.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 226821 (estimated) |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Manchester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Trial ID | NCT07237919 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The University of Manchester will collect anonymised data from GP practices using the Patchs online consultation system over four years to study how triage is currently done and where errors occur. Researchers will use historic and current records from practices with Patchs on and off to train and refine AI models, then measure performance changes when the improved AI is switched on. The work includes testing the updated AI across different regions and over time, and checking whether performance differs by patient groups to identify fairness issues. Results will compare AI triage decisions with existing clinical practice and monitor how performance holds up after deployment.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Patients registered at GP practices in England that use the Patchs online consultation system and who contact their practice via that system are the source of data for this work.
Not a fit: Patients registered at practices that do not use Patchs or who do not use online consultations are unlikely to be affected by this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could get faster, more appropriate, and fairer routing to the right care, improving safety and reducing unnecessary waits.
How similar studies have performed: Some commercial AI triage tools are already in use in the NHS, but large-scale, rigorous evidence on accuracy and fairness is currently limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * GP practices using the Patchs system Exclusion Criteria: * N/A
Where this trial is running
London
- NHS GP practices — London, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Benjamin C Brown, MRCGP, PhD
- Email: benjamin.brown@manchester.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 161 306 9966
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.