Rebecca Gray, Mental Health Network Director, NHS Confederation (Credit: NHS Confederation)
Former Pitchfest winner Rimbic is partnering with the NHS Confederation to explore how AI can improve access to mental health services and care.
Limbic, an AI mental health chatbot, was announced as the first winner of the 2023 Digital Health Rewired Pitchfest's scale-up category.
The NHS Confed Mental Health Network will work with Limbic to identify the barriers and opportunities facing NHS systems around the use and long-term implementation of AI in mental health care.
Rebecca Gray, director of the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network, said:
“The rise of AI-enabled tools brings both opportunities and challenges. Safety, effectiveness and accessibility issues, as well as a lack of guidance, mean there is a real need for support in this area.
“We are delighted to be working with Limbic, whose extensive experience and expertise will help ensure the implementation of AI in mental health services is backed by science and evidence.
“We need to give our members the confidence to make informed decisions focused on the areas of greatest need, share real-world examples of what works, and ensure that AI can enhance our services rather than add unnecessary complexity.”
The project also provides practical guidance on AI adoption, backed by case studies and use cases in mental health, and a support system that aims to expand the use of AI tools and create an environment in which they can thrive.
Ross Harper, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Limbic, said: “We know that AI has great potential to expand mental health care, but realizing that potential requires collaboration, evidence, and a problem-first approach.
“Our partnership with the NHS Confederation puts us at the center of this important conversation and helps shape how clinical AI can truly improve outcomes for both patients and clinicians.”
Kathleen Henrik, UK General Manager at Limbic, said: “Mental health services are under tremendous pressure and AI offers concrete solutions, but only if deployed safely and effectively.
“We are delighted to partner with the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network to ensure mental health leaders have the practical guidance and evidence they need to implement clinical AI confidently and responsibly.
“By sharing our experience of rollout across the NHS and learning from leaders in mental health, we can ensure the adoption of AI is driven by clinical need and patient safety.
“Together, we can move beyond the hype and focus on regulated clinical AI solutions that deliver measurable value across the care pathway.”
