AI note-taking in the NHS, Is this a good idea?
- Healthwatch West Berkshire
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
New AI note-taking tools being backed by the NHS could help doctors and nurses spend significantly more time with their patients, potentially up to a quarter more during appointments.
These tools, known as ambient voice technologies, listen to clinician–patient conversations and create real-time transcriptions and clinical summaries, reducing the need for manual note-taking.
NHS England is now encouraging organisations to use a new national registry of 19 approved suppliers. These companies have self-certified that they meet national standards on clinical safety, technology quality and data protection, addressing some of the biggest concerns people have about AI in healthcare.
There are potential benefits, If clinicians save even 2–3 minutes per consultation, that time can be redirected to listening, explaining treatment options, or seeing more patients , all of which could improve patient experience and access to care.
However, patients will want reassurance about how their conversations are recorded, stored and used, and whether consent is clear and meaningful. There is also the risk that technology could fail or misunderstand conversations, particularly for people with strong accents, speech difficulties or complex needs.
As these tools roll out, it will be vital to listen to patient feedback and ensure the technology truly supports, rather than replaces, human interaction in healthcare.
What do you think, would you be happy to have your appointment recorded?
What questions would you like to ask about this new initiative? Take our poll below, and ,
Let us know at Have Your Say | Healthwatch West Berkshire.
Email us at: contact@healthwatchwestberks.org.uk. or Phone Us: on 01635 886210.
Would you be happy to have your GP appointment recorded by Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
- 0%YES
- 0%NO
- 0%NOT SURE
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