University's AI project shows promising results in the self-management of multiple health conditions

AN app that tackles multimorbidity - the presence of two or more health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis - with patients across the NHS has revealed promising results.

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The 18-month project, run by Holly Health, a personalised digital coaching service, with Loughborough University and Modality Partnership, focused on advancing digital self-management for people living with or at risk of multimorbidity.

Data shows that over a three-month period, more than 180 users improved their engagement in self-managing their conditions. Healthy habits among users rose, which has the potential to significantly improve public health on a large scale.

By combining behavioural science with machine learning technology within the Holly Health app, the project developed a Just-In-Time Adaptive Intervention (JITAI) system, using machine learning to increase healthy habits, such as regular physical activity and getting sufficient sleep, in patients with multimorbidity.

The JITAI system works in a simple daily cycle, known as a feedback loop.