Many people live with two or more ‘long-term health conditions’ which include lots of different illnesses, such as cancer, heart, and mental health problems. People living with multiple long-term conditions may progress to poor health and have a shorter life expectancy.

Treating multiple health conditions is a balancing act. People are often prescribed many different medicines together (known as ‘polypharmacy’). Sometimes these medicines (and their side effects) can interact in unexpected ways, causing further problems.

Our group has experience in applying new developments in computer technology, termed artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to healthcare data.   We will develop these methods to look for new patterns linking MLTCs and prescribed medicines.  The information and patterns generated will feed into the design of a larger collaborative project.

In the long-term, we hope our research will lead to the development of strategies for prevention and improved management of multiple long-term conditions.