The Symptom Checker is an online tool that helps consumers assess their symptoms and determine appropriate care options by answering a series of questions. It is powered by an AI system that uses a probabilistic model based on expert clinical knowledge and a large database of empirical evidence.
A significant enhancement to the Symptom Checker tool was delivered in October 2024. This enhancement went from providing a consumer with a recommended service (eg, See a GP, go to ED), to providing multiple care options based on the consumer’s symptoms. This includes alternative clinical pathways such as urgent care and virtual emergency services. Consumers using the tool will choose the best option for their circumstance given where they live, time of day and acuity of their symptoms. They are then presented with comprehensive, up to date information about the service including opening hours and whether fees apply.
As part of the enhancement we built a new Rules Engine that ensures the care options are tailored to each consumer’s specific situation. This improvement means more personalised and accurate care recommendations can be provided to the consumer which empowers them to make informed decisions and access appropriate care more efficiently.
This also helps to reduce unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities as users are better guided towards the most suitable care option. By streamlining the process and offering more targeted recommendations, the Symptom Checker enhancement project contributes to a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources, ultimately improving the overall effectiveness of the health system.
