nib New Zealand has introduced an AI-driven symptom checker to enhance healthcare navigation for Kiwis. The tool, available through the my nib app, allows users to input their symptoms and receive guidance on potential conditions and appropriate actions.

It directs users to consult a General Practitioner (either in-person or via telehealth), monitor their symptoms at home, or visit an emergency department, aiming to reduce the burden on the country’s healthcare system.

For a limited time, members advised to book a telehealth GP appointment can do so through Tend, an online GP service available via the Tend app.

The symptom checker, developed by Infermedica, uses current medical evidence to provide quick triage. With its deployment in over 30 countries and reaching more than 17 million users globally, it helps users assess the urgency of their medical issues and determine the best care options.

This new tool is part of nib’s broader effort to help Kiwis proactively manage their health. By guiding non-urgent cases away from emergency departments, it aims to alleviate some of the pressure on these facilities and ensure individuals receive the appropriate level of care.

Long wait times in New Zealand's emergency departments, which can extend up to 10 hours, have led the NZ Government to set a target for 95% of patients to be admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours.

Additionally, the shortage of available GP services, with many practices not accepting new patients and reducing services, underscores the need for such innovations.

The Minister of Science, Innovation, and Technology has recently advocated for increased use of AI in health and education to enhance efficiency, reflecting a growing trend towards AI-driven health solutions.

Since its successful launch in Australia in February 2024, nib’s symptom checker data has shown that 63.5% of users were advised to consult a General Practitioner, 15% were directed to an emergency department, and 21.5% were recommended to monitor their symptoms at home.

 

 

Source: nib.co.nz

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