Limbic's AI tool improves clinical efficiencies for mental health services: study

A new study suggests Limbic's artificial intelligence (AI)-powered self-referral and e-triage service can improve clinical efficiency by reducing the time clinicians spend on mental health assessments. Findings were published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The study focused on the company's AI tool, Limbic Access, to support initial patient referral and clinical assessment within the NHS. Researchers gathered data from nine NHS Talking Therapies services across England, which included almost 65,000 patients. 

Doubles recovery rates

In the study, Limbic's tool was found to improve patient outcomes by reducing wait times by an average of five days. Limbic Access was also shown to lower dropout rates to 21.9% for those in the AI group from 26.7% for those in the standard referral pathway group. In addition, the AI self-referral tool reduced changes in treatment allocation from 10.5% to 5.7%, while also doubling recovery rates. 

According to the investigators, offering clinically relevant information ahead of clinical assessments was pivotal in achieving these positive outcomes. Lead researcher Max Rollwage said the study "underscores the practical utility of AI in the mental health field," noting that the technology can be harnessed to "simultaneously increase efficiencies and enhance the well-being of those seeking mental healthcare."

Limbic said its mental health chatbot has helped more than 220,000 NHS patients enter care, releasing over an estimated 40,000 clinical hours for NHS services, while saving almost five to 10 times the economic cost per additional user recovery.

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