Patient.info launches UK's first clinically-grounded AI symptom checker

Patient.info has launched AskPatient, a new medical AI assistant tool described as the UK’s first clinically-grounded AI symptom checker. The free tool integrates conversational technology with the provider’s existing library of clinically reviewed health information to help users navigate medical queries.

Designed as a safer alternative to general internet searches, the tool focuses on providing guidance and information rather than offering diagnoses or prescriptions. It aims to assist users in determining when to seek professional medical care, such as contacting a GP, NHS 111, or emergency services. The launch follows research by Ipsos for the Academy of Medical Sciences, which indicated that 69% of UK adults find it difficult to identify misleading health information online.

Since its introduction, AskPatient has facilitated over 403,944 conversations covering more than 9,500 different health-related topics. Thomas Porteus, Director of Patient.info, stated that the tool is intended to empower users to make informed decisions and access the right resources rather than replacing medical professionals.