Queensland hospitals can predict admissions ten years in advance

Queensland public hospitals are saving $2.5 million (USD) a year by using a tool that predicts patient admissions - and their injury type - hours, weeks or even ten years in advance. The benefit to the state as a whole could be as high as $80 million per year from improved patient outcomes. The tool uses algorithms to identify patterns in historic patient admission and discharge data, allowing hospitals to plan when to open and close beds, alter patient discharge plans and adjust staff vacations to create optimal patient flow rates. It is being used by around 50 hospitals in Queensland and has an accuracy rate of up to 95%.