The NHS is set to roll out artificial intelligence (AI) to reduce the number of missed appointments and free up staff time.

The use of the technology will expand to ten more NHS Trusts following a pilot in Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which saw the number of did not attends (DNAs) reduced to almost a third in six months.

The software predicts likely missed appointments through algorithms and anonymised data, breaking down the reasons why someone may not attend an appointment using a range of external insights including the weather, traffic, and jobs, and offers back-up bookings.

The appointments are then arranged for the most convenient time for patients. For example, it will give evening and weekend slots to those less able to take time off during the day.

The system also implements back-up bookings in a bid to ensure no clinical time is lost while maximising efficiency.

Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director for Transformation at NHS England, said: “The NHS has long been a pioneer of innovation, embracing new ways of working so patients get the help they need in a timely way, and the use of AI to help reduce the number of missed appointments is another example of how new technologies are helping to improve care for patients."

He said: “Not only can these technologies help to free up doctors’ time to treat more patients and reduce waiting times for planned care, it means a significant amount of money can be invested in frontline care rather than lost to missed appointments."

Last week’s budget committed to an additional £3.4 billion of capital funding, so the NHS can double investment in new technology and continue to build on the work already being done.