We are in awe of the NHS’ Onward Care strategy and the incredible ADAPTIVE project, which is using AI-equipped kettles and fridges to reduce unplanned hospital readmissions in England. Adrian McCourt, Managing Director of Onward Care, recently revealed the astonishing results of a trial in the Buckinghamshire Trust, where 140 patients were supported at home for 12 weeks post-hospital discharge – an impressive 40% reduction in readmissions compared to the typical six months.
Jenny Ricketts, Deputy Chief Operating Officer for Buckinghamshire Trust, highlighted the role of AI in the project: “AI is here to work with us, not to do the job for us. People, especially the elderly, like human contact. The AI just makes it easier for us to do that.”
The ADAPTIVE project is powered by UK technology company Miicare, using IoT electronic sensors in everyday home appliances like kettles and fridges to monitor eating and drinking habits and alert Onward Care staff to potential health concerns. AI then analyses the data collected by the sensors and classifies unusual activities, triggering the alert.
The project is further enhanced by ‘Monica’, a device similar to Amazon’s Alexa, which collects data like the number of steps taken or time spent in each room. AI then analyses the data, sending notifications if a patient’s behaviour is changing.
Monica also offers a range of other features, such as daily greetings, humor, motivation for physical activity, reminders for hydration and medication, and entertainment like playing music – just like other home assistants like Alexa, Google Nest, etc. All of this is made even easier and more intuitive by voice commands for those with vision or mobility issues.
The possibilities for smart home technology are endless, with Amazon recently announcing new AI-augmented features for Alexa earlier in the year. We can’t wait to see what other incredible benefits the NHS’ Onward Care strategy and ADAPTIVE project will bring to elderly individuals, helping to make their lives easier, healthier and more enjoyable.
