Norfolk County Council Implements AI Technology to Prevent Falls and Support Vulnerable Individuals
In a bid to prevent falls at home and provide better support to vulnerable individuals, Norfolk County Council has introduced cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This innovative scheme employs computer algorithms that analyze data held by the council to identify individuals who are most at risk of experiencing a fall. Once identified, officials reach out to these individuals with offers of support.
The AI technology has already made a significant impact, identifying hundreds of vulnerable individuals in need of assistance. In response, the council has taken proactive measures, sending 700 letters, making 530 calls, and providing referrals for 234 individuals. The goal is to establish a stronger support system early on and ultimately reduce the number of hospital admissions resulting from falls.
Alison Thomas, the cabinet member for adult social care at the council, voiced her support for the initiative, drawing from personal experiences within her own family. I’ve recently had older members of my family injured after a preventable fall, so I can see first-hand the impact this can have on people and their families, Thomas explained. She emphasized the importance of prevention as an effective means to reduce the burden on healthcare services.
This scheme represents another instance of AI technology being integrated into daily life. The council’s social care department has already been leveraging this technology to identify various needs, primarily relying on data from surveys and census results to determine where social care is required. Moreover, AI is also being explored locally for diagnostic purposes, with the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital utilizing it to aid in the detection of skin cancer.
Council officials have assured that the implementation of AI technology complies fully with GDPR regulations. This adherence to data protection guidelines ensures that individuals’ privacy is respected and safeguarded throughout the assessment process.
As society continues to embrace artificial intelligence, the Norfolk County Council’s use of cutting-edge technology to prevent falls and provide targeted support to vulnerable individuals serves as a prime example of harnessing AI’s potential. By leveraging data and advanced algorithms, the council aims to make a tangible difference in the lives of its residents and alleviate the strain on healthcare services.
