Tech trial saves 430 weeks of waiting time in January

Tech trial saves 430 weeks of waiting time in January 

London, U.K. 25 February 2021: Hundreds of clinical hours could be saved by implementing digital solutions in IAPTs. 

That’s according to new data released by Limbic, revealing the impact of automating elements of the clinical assessment process. 

Through its partnership with Vita Health Group (VHG), Limbic Access -  a tool that gathers key information on behalf of Care Providers- was trialled across four IAPT services. After one month of implementing the tool, 430 weeks of waiting time was saved. 

Furthermore, the data shows that care providers saved on average 20 minutes of time per referral by using the platform and 86 hours of clinical time was saved overall. 

Typically, patients wait an average of twenty two days for a clinical assessment.* Once the assessment is completed, patients typically wait another forty five days on average to begin treatment.* Through Limbic’s Access platform, the former is reduced to zero, sending the patient straight to the waitlist for treatment. 

Clinical assessments have long been identified as a particular pinch point in IAPT services; approximately 25% of the total IAPT budget is taken up by clinical assessments.* Typically, assessments are completed by an IAPT therapist and involve a 1 hour phone call to screen the patient for service eligibility, collect basic patient information, assess risk and point them towards the most appropriate care pathway.*

Limbic’s Access platform - which integrates with the NHS API - augments elements of the clinical assessment process to free up staff resources and reduce the waiting time for patients. The platform enables services to automatically pre-screen incoming referrals, and either signpost to alternative services or identify an appropriate treatment pathway within the service. Patients benefit from a more interactive and engaging experience, at all times of the day, at the peak of their help-seeking behaviour. 91.64% of patients provided feedback that the tool helped them access care.

With patient referrals to IAPT services expected to triple*, digital solutions will be key in easing pressure on mental healthcare services. 

Following the pilot’s success, Limbic Access will look towards being implemented in a number of other IAPTs within Vita Health Group’s network. 

Ross Harper, CEO and Co-founder of Limbic commented:

“The need for quicker access to mental healthcare has never been more important. While our healthcare resources are being diverted to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re also facing a national mental healthcare crisis. Unquestionably, digital health needs to play a role in alleviating the pressure on mental healthcare professionals and speeding up patient access to support.”