NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC), the largest NHS organisation in Scotland and one of the largest in the UK, is responsible for providing and managing a whole range of health services including hospitals and General Practice.

NHSGGC is pioneering a “world first” trial to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) can improve treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and reduce emergency hospital admissions. The insights gained from this study are expected to enhance the application of AI across other long-term conditions, addressing acute care demands and associated costs.

COPD, affecting around 1.2 million people in the UK, is a progressive and preventable disease, ranking as the second most common cause of emergency admissions. The annual economic burden of COPD on the NHS is approximately £1.9 billion, with 70% of costs linked to treatment following symptom exacerbations.

Launched in partnership with Lenus Health and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, this year-long trial employs machine learning models to analyse electronic health record data. The aim is to identify patients at high risk of adverse events for proactive review by clinicians within the COPD multi-disciplinary team, thus improving outcomes and minimising emergency care needs.

The AI study builds on previous collaborations that enable COPD patients to manage their conditions and receive support remotely. Current users of the digital COPD service at NHSGGC can opt to participate in the AI trial.

Lenus Health CEO Paul McGinness remarked, “This trial is the culmination of years of work on model training and technical infrastructure. We believe AI-driven clinical decision support can transform the management of chronic conditions like COPD, enabling better care optimisation and proactive self-management.”