EQL, part of the Google Cloud for Startups Programme and backed by handl Group, is looking to change the way that MSK conditions are triaged and managed with the introduction of its new chatbot Phio.
Unveiled earlier this year, it forms part of a developing portfolio of products designed to radically improve global healthcare systems.
Following the launch we sat down with Jason Ward, CEO and Co-founder at EQL, who told us about the company’s plans going forward.
Phio is a chatbot that thinks and acts like a Physiotherapist, initially providing an agile triage tool for all MSK conditions, with a Digital Injury Management tool to follow later in the year. It uses AI and machine learning to be able to constantly evolve and adapt its behaviour to every user, giving it a ‘personality’ and the ability to absorb knowledge. A personalised tone and language are used to enhance engagement and adherence.
Designed to improve patient outcomes via an app, it reduces the need for human intervention thereby increasing efficiency and fast-tracking patient care. Sophisticated algorithms guide users to the appropriate pathway: urgent care for those presenting with ‘red flag’ symptoms; face-to-face care for those not suited for self-managed care; and a Digital Injury Management option for those presenting with low-grade injuries. Phio’s decision tree is underpinned by the latest clinical frameworks and this is closely monitored alongside the collection of vital lifestyle data.
Accessible 24/7 and available in any language, Phio is a fraction of the cost when compared to traditional physiotherapy triage and human-led self-managed care. Phio is an ideal option for companies in the health insurance market and those operating in the private and public healthcare sector. It can complement existing services and is a strong alternative for many telephone based and remote physiotherapy services. It also offers dramatically improved customer journeys and has the ability to radically improve health outcomes.
“Phio can be seamlessly implemented to suit our clients’ needs and requirements,” Ward says, “Tailored clinical decision trees reflect the required pathways and data points.”
“Limited resources mean access to healthcare is often poor, costly and cumbersome with excessive waiting times and limited connectivity between practitioners and patients. This can result in high costs and less than optimal health outcomes. We are determined to change this and level the playing field when it comes to accessing healthcare. We believe in democratising healthcare.”
Phio is currently being piloted with a number of large clients across both the private and public healthcare market.
Commenting on the feedback that the company has had since the launch, Ward continues: “Since we launched I have to say that our feet haven’t touched the ground! We have been inundated with interest from organisations including NHS providers, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), global insurance companies and Occupational Health providers.”
“As a result we are in the process of signing MOUs with over 30 organisations, with our first pilots starting in the next few weeks.”
“There has been a lot of international interest too, particularly from the US and Middle East, and we are looking carefully at our global growth strategy.”
The company will build on its product portfolio later in the year with a digital injury management tool designed to enhance the Phio offering. Beyond this there are aims to apply the technology to other conditions and similar unmet needs within the healthcare system.