Adopting ambient scribing products in health and care settings
Ambient scribing products, when combined with generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), can convert speech directly into structured medical documentation, such as notes and letters.
This means that the caregiver can focus on the patient in front of them - rather than focusing on a computer screen - with confidence that their conversation will translate into an accurate draft summarisation for review and validation.
The products are sometimes referred to as ambient scribes or AI scribes and include advanced ambient voice technologies (AVTs) used for clinical or patient documentation and workflow support.
Guidance is available
An overview for NHS executives and Boards
High-level information for NHS senior executives and Board members on ambient scribing products that feature Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), for use across health and care settings in England.
Guidance on leading AI adoption in health settings for CIOs and CCIOs
The guidance provides an overview of ambient scribing products and key considerations for Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Clinical Information Officers (CCIOs) leading AI adoption in health settings.
The Appendix offers an in-depth exploration of these considerations, providing further actionable steps for technical and product teams leading AI adoption.
Additional support
Developing a national proposition
A programme of work is underway to deliver a national proposition to support the widespread opportunity for ambient scribing and automation enabled by AI. The proposition will support all care settings, including primary and secondary care organisations, to rollout assured, standardised services across England in a safe and compliant way.
Developing additional guidance
A series of documents will be published this year to support the adoption of ambient scribing products for use across health and care settings in England. Including:
- support templates and tools; for example, a business case development template, and example templates for risk assessments like hazard logs and safety cases
- guidance on further information governance considerations including a template for data protection impact assessment (DPIA)
- guidance to support evaluation and monitoring of ambient scribing products.
Developing a community of practice
A community of practice will be established to facilitate the sharing of insights and best practices among sites implementing ambient scribing products.