EQL, part of the DIGITALHEALTH.LONDON Accelerator, has entered into a new partnership with Circle Health that will see the specialist healthcare company launch EQL’s AI-driven physio tool across its portfolio of NHS MSK contracts. As part of the agreement, Phio will be utilised by patients presenting with MSK related issues at NHS locations in Rushcliffe, Bedfordshire and Greenwich.

In June, EQL launched its debut product Phio, 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. It reduces the need for human intervention thereby increasing efficiency and fast-tracking patient care.

Accessible 24/7 and available in any language, Phio 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 potential to radically improve health outcomes.

Circle Health was founded in 2004 by a group of doctors and managers who believed in a fresh approach to healthcare. The company is always looking to drive better patient experiences and outcomes as well as delivering the best value for money from its NHS contracts.

Dr Ajai Seth, Clinical Chairman for Circle Integrated Care said: “Phio enables patients to self-manage their musculoskeletal conditions, reducing the need to see a clinician face to face. It helps put patients on the correct treatment plan right from the outset, providing them with the tools they need to take ownership of their health. This empowers patient and may stop conditions such as back pain from becoming chronic problems.”

Jason Ward, CEO of EQL, who co-founded the company alongside Peter Grinbergs, said: “Circle Health provides its patients with world-class healthcare solutions and we are extremely proud this industry-leading company has chosen to partner with us on delivering Phio to key areas of the UK. Since our recent launch we have witnessed immense interest in this product and we were also proudly chosen as one of 20 high potential start-ups to take part in the NHS DigitalHealth.London’s Accelerator Programme. We are excited for the journey ahead and we look forward to working closely with Circle Health.”