The NHS has announced a significant change aimed at enhancing face-to-face care for patients. NHS organizations in England are urged to utilize newly available technology that could save clinicians up to two or three minutes per patient consultation.
A new national registry now includes 19 technology suppliers offering AI tools that can record clinician-patient conversations, providing real-time transcriptions and summaries. These AI tools, known as ambient voice technologies, are accurate and prioritize data security.
NHS England has introduced a self-certified registry for the technology, mandating suppliers to meet clinical safety, technology standards, and data protection requirements. This initiative follows NHS guidance from last year, advising the use of safe, evidence-based AI notetaking tools to benefit patients.
Dr. Alec Price-Forbes, NHS England National Chief Clinical Information Officer, emphasized the potential of AI technology to enhance patient care quality, safety, and efficiency. The use of AI notetaking tools is expected to allow clinicians more time to focus on patients, improving consultation quality and patient satisfaction.
The NHS conducted trials of AI notetaking technology across nine sites, demonstrating a nearly 25% increase in clinician-patient interaction time compared to traditional methods. These trials, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust’s Innovation Unit (GOSH DRIVE), showed a 23.5% rise in direct patient interaction time and an 8.2% reduction in appointment length using AI-scribes.
Minister for Digital Government Ian Murray highlighted the transformative potential of AI in public services, praising its role in reducing administrative burdens for clinicians. The UK government aims to leverage technology to enhance public services, supporting the NHS in adopting efficient tools like AI-scribes.
Procurement for this technology within the NHS will be managed by individual bodies following their governance processes.