PATCHS has been developed by NHS GPs and is based on research evidence. We are committed to developing an online consultation tool that delivers maximum benefits to patients, GP practices, and the wider NHS. We are working with The University of Manchester to evaluate PATCHS in a research project to ensure this happens.
We are developing an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) system for PATCHS. The AI will learn from the decisions GPs make when using PATCHS in order to automate aspects of the online consultation process. PATCHS aims to ensure patients receive the best care as soon as possible, whilst also reducing GP practice workload. The University of Manchester are also evaluating this in the research project to ensure it is safe and useful for patients and GP practices.
We only use anonymised data in our research and development projects. 'Anonymised' means the people who have contributed the data (PATCHS users) cannot be identified.