NHS-backed AI notetaking tools could give doctors 25% more time with patients
NHS-backed AI notetaking tools could give doctors up to 25 per cent more time with patients, NHS England has said.
NHS organisations across England are being urged to use a new national registry of 19 suppliers for the technology, which records clinician-patient conversations and uses AI to generate real-time transcripts and clinical summaries.
Known as ambient voice technologies, the tools could save clinicians up to two or three minutes per consultation, freeing up time to see more patients.
Dr Alec Price-Forbes, NHS England national chief clinical information officer, said: “The AI revolution is here and we want to arm our NHS staff with the latest technology, which has the potential to transform the quality, safety and experience of care patients receive, as well as improving efficiency.
“AI notetaking tools will help free up more time for clinicians to focus on their patients, rather than typing up notes or looking at a screen – enhancing the quality of consultations and improving overall patient satisfaction.
“We are working with NHS organisations to help them implement the technology safely and effectively – helping to make the NHS the most AI-enabled healthcare system in the world, as we shift from analogue to digital.”
NHS England published the new self-certified registry today (January 16), requiring suppliers to meet standards on clinical safety, technology and data protection.
The registry follows NHS guidance published last year advising organisations to use AI notetaking tools that are safe, evidence-based and deliver benefits for patients.
A major NHS England-sponsored study published last year found AI scribing technology can reduce clinician workload while improving patient care, with the potential to unlock millions of pounds worth of activity if rolled out nationally.
The study was led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust’s Innovation Unit and was carried out across nine NHS sites in London to assess an AI scribing tool that automatically transcribes consultations and drafts summarised clinical notes for clinicians to review.
More than 17,000 patient encounters were evaluated across hospitals, GP practices, mental health services and ambulance teams.
Results showed a 23.5 per cent increase in direct patient interaction time during appointments, alongside an 8.2 per cent reduction in overall appointment length.
A&E saw particularly strong results, with a 13.4 per cent increase in patients seen per shift.
Ian Murray, minister for digital government, said: “AI has enormous potential to transform public services, and this is a prime example of how we can use it to make a real difference.
“By cutting down on admin and paperwork, we’re giving clinicians back valuable time to do what they do best – caring for patients.
“We’re committed to making the UK an exemplar for how technology can be used to improve public services. Supporting the NHS to adopt tools like these safely and effectively is a key part of that mission.”
