The six-month research pilot aims to explore whether the advanced digital technology, developed by York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of York, can enhance triage processes.

The DAISY system provides instructions to patients on how to use medical equipment to measure their own vital signs. DAISY will ask patients a series of health-related questions, gathering important data such as symptoms, body temperature, and pulse rate. All this information is then analysed and compiled into a clinical report, which is intended to support staff in their assessment of the patient.

Only patients who are willing, consent and can use DAISY will be invited to try it.

At this stage, the research pilot is designed to simply assess DAISY's functionality and compare its assessment to that of a clinician.

The team will investigate the social, legal, ethical, empathetic, and cultural concerns surrounding the use of artificial intelligence and social robotics in healthcare, while working closely with clinicians and patients to address the challenges associated with the integration of this technology.

The project is being led by Dr Ol'Tunde Ashaolu, emergency medicine consultant at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, alongside Professor Radu Calinescu from the University of York's Department of Computer Science and Institute for Safe Autonomy. The pilot is being supported by the trust's research and innovation team.

Dr Ashaolu, DAISY clinical lead, said: ‘This device represents an important first step towards the development of a solution for automating key stages of the emergency department triage process, potentially reducing waiting times and clinical workload.'