NHS trials AI system to predict coronavirus ventilator demand Verdict

The NHS is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to help predict upcoming demand for intensive care beds and ventilators during the coronavirus pandemic across England. Trials of the predictive system, known as the COVID 19 Capacity Planning and Analysis System (CPAS), began today at four hospitals. It harnesses the principles of machine learning – algorithms that find and apply patterns in data – to provide statistics, forecasts and simulation environments to the NHS to better plan resources during the pandemic. For example, predictions made by the machine learning system could inform a hospital that capacity will be reached in advance, giving it time to bring in extra resources or share capacity with neighbouring hospitals. If CPAS proves to be accurate, the NHS will look to roll it out across the rest of the country.