NHS organisations are being urged to take advantage of AI note taking technology.
A new registry of 19 suppliers of the technology has been published by NHS England.
It is believed AI note taking tools could help doctors spend up to a quarter more time with their patients.
The technology captures clinician–patient conversations and uses AI to accurately generate real-time transcriptions and clinical summaries, while ensuring data protection.
NHS England has published a new self-certified registry for the technology, which requires suppliers to comply with standards on clinical safety, technology and data protection.
This follows NHS guidance published last year advising NHS organisations to use AI notetaking tools which are safe, evidence-based and deliver benefits for 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.”
Minister for Digital Government Ian Murray 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.”
