Tāmaki Health has begun rolling out an AI-powered health coach across selected clinics, in what it says is a New Zealand first for primary care.
The AI Health Coach is designed to work alongside the primary care provider’s existing health coaches and clinical teams, providing patients with support before, between and after appointments.
It can provide personalised coaching around lifestyle and behaviour change, including diabetes, gout, weight management, anxiety and other long-term health goals.
Patients who need additional clinical support can be referred into Tāmaki Health’s existing care pathways.
Tāmaki Health chief digital officer Sam Ranchhod said the technology was intended to extend support beyond traditional appointments rather than replace health professionals.
“Primary healthcare cannot simply rely on adding more appointments to meet growing demand. We need new ways to support people earlier, help them stay engaged between appointments and make it easier to access care when they need it,” he said.
The AI Health Coach is powered by New Zealand digital health company Groov, with Tāmaki Health saying the platform uses clinically reviewed content and incorporates referral pathways and privacy, security and governance controls.
Tāmaki Health said more than 4500 conversations had already taken place through the AI Health Coach.
After one coaching session, users reported a 32 per cent increase in their confidence and capability to manage their health and wellbeing, according to Tāmaki Health. It said this increased to 75 per cent by the second month, while users rated the service 8.5 out of 10 for helpfulness.
The organisation said it would continue evaluating the technology as it was rolled out across selected clinics, including its impact on patient engagement, access to care and longer-term health outcomes.
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