We are trialling the use of AI tools in specific services to improve the services and care we deliver. As patients and service users the Trust will seek your consent before AI software is used. We also inform patients and service users by displaying information in posters in public spaces.
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help with taking notes during appointments/consultations
We are trialling new technology to help our clinicians with note-taking during appointments/consultations. The technology is known as AI Ambient Scribe technology which listens during your consultation and automatically writes notes for the clinician you are seeing. This means the healthcare professional you are seeing during an appointment/consultation can give you their full attention, rather than focusing on typing or writing notes as you speak. You as the patient/service user benefit from:
- More personal and focused conversations
- Clearer explanations about your care and treatment plan
- A stronger relationship with the team supporting you/your family
How do you know Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being used during your appointment/consultation
We ask verbally for your consent before AI software is used for note-taking during a consultation, and we also inform patients and service users by displaying posters in clinics across the Trust.
Feedback from our trials at Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust shows that patients who have had consultations with staff using AI software feel more listened to and valued when clinicians do not have to type during appointments.
Why we are using AI note-taking tools
Utilising these AI tools helps reduce paperwork and speed up routine tasks enabling clinicians to spend more time with you as the patient/service user, rather than filling in forms.
- It helps improve the quality of the information collected, making medical records clearer and more accurate, which supports better care.
- By being open about how the technology is used, we want to reassure patients and service users that your information is kept safe and secure.
- Overall, AI scribes not only reduce the administrative burden for clinicians but also improves the quality of patient experience and outcomes.
How we make sure the technology is safe and secure
The system Is safe and secure:
- It meets NHS England’s standards for ambient voice technology
- It is GDPR compliant
- No audio recordings are kept
- Written notes are only stored for a short period of time in line with NHS guidelines (up to 30 days)
This helps improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of medical records, supporting safer care and decision-making and improving continuity of care.
National guidance from NHS England
NHS England has set out clear rules to make sure AI note-taking tools are used safely. The guidance covers:
- How to check the technology is safe for patients and clinicians
- Making sure privacy and data protection are built in from the start
- Ways to regularly review and monitor how the tools are working
- A national network for sharing learning and best practice
The AI note-taking tool meets NHS England’s standards for Ambient Voice Technology (AVT), including:
-
NHS Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC ) compliance - It is checked to ensure it is safe, secure and effective for use in healthcare.
-
ISO 27001 certification - It follows international standards for keeping information secure.
-
Cyber Essentials Plus - It is independently tested to protect against online threats.
-
Exceeding DSPT ( Data Security and Protection Toolkit) standards - It goes beyond the basic requirements for keeping patient data safe.
-
HL7/FHIR compatibility for EPR integration - It works smoothly with existing NHS record systems to ensure information is joined-up.
