In a groundbreaking move toward digitized healthcare, England’s first fully AI-run physiotherapy clinic has dramatically cut NHS waiting times for back pain patients by more than 50%, according to recent pilot data.
The clinic, launched by Flok Health in partnership with the NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System, is the first of its kind in the country. It uses an advanced AI platform to assess and manage musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, offering patients faster access to therapy without needing direct clinician input.
Key Results from the AI Physio Pilot:
- 55% reduction in back pain waitlists
- 44% reduction in overall MSK referrals
- 856 hours of clinician time saved each month
- 80% patient engagement rate with digital care plans
The AI tool mimics clinician assessments, offering self-guided exercises and follow-up prompts. Notably, over 4,000 patients were enrolled in the pilot, and a significant portion completed treatment without any in-person appointments.
A New Era in Musculoskeletal Care
Experts say this model is especially vital for MSK-related issues, which are one of the leading causes of NHS staff absence. As NHS services face ongoing pressure, the success of AI solutions like Flok Health could help scale care while reducing costs and workforce burden.
Flok’s CEO, Neil Daly, emphasized the importance of clinical-grade AI in addressing NHS bottlenecks. He stated that the technology has been trained on over 100,000 real-world clinical cases, ensuring its safety and efficacy.
The program is now being considered for broader national implementation as a sustainable solution to long NHS wait times.
Source: The Guardian – “NHS’s first AI-run physio clinic in England halves back pain waiting list”
