A Gamechanger for the NHS: AI Tools to Reduce Admin Burden and Improve Patient Care

A groundbreaking new technology is poised to revolutionize the way NHS clinicians work, freeing up staff time and delivering better care to patients. Interim trial data has shown that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools has dramatically reduced administration, allowing clinicians to spend more time with patients and reducing waiting lists.

The technology, which uses speech technologies and generative AI to convert spoken words into structured medical notes and letters, has been trialed in a range of primary and secondary care settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries. The results are staggering, with clinicians able to see more patients, spend more time during appointments focusing on the patient, and appointments becoming shorter.

The government’s Plan for Change, which aims to get the NHS back on its feet and slash waiting lists, has identified the use of innovative tech as a key driver of reform. The new guidance, published today, will encourage the use of these products across the NHS, with a focus on data compliance and security, risk identification and assessment, and staff training.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting hailed the technology as a “gamechanger” for the NHS, saying: “AI is the catalyst that will revolutionise healthcare and drive efficiencies across the NHS. I am determined we embrace this kind of technology, so clinicians don’t have to spend so much time pushing pens and can focus on their patients.”

The NHS England-funded trial, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, has evaluated the capabilities of the technology across a range of clinical settings, involving over 7,000 patients. The interim data shows widespread benefits, including:

* Clinicians being able to sit closer to patients and focus on their needs without compromising on the quality of documentation

* Patients receiving more attention from their clinicians without affecting the quality of care

* Clinicians being able to see more patients and reduce waiting lists

Dr Maaike Kusters, a Paediatric Immunology Consultant at GOSH, said: “Using the AI tool during the trial meant I could sit closer to my patients and really focus on what they were sharing with me, without compromising on the quality of documentation.”

The technology is already being used in some NHS settings, with the Jean Bishop Integrated Care Centre in East Hull introducing an ambient scribing product to make their documentation process faster and better support their work to care for people living with frailty.

The government’s commitment to using AI to transform the NHS is clear, with plans to roll out more pioneering tech and spot pain levels for people who can’t speak, diagnose breast cancer quicker, and get people discharged quicker.

Dr Andrew Noble, a doctor working at a care centre in Hull, said: “By embracing this innovative technology, we’ve optimised our resources and empowered our clinicians and entire multidisciplinary team. The positive feedback from both staff and patients shows just how valuable this project has been.”

Dr Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, said: “This exciting technology can reduce the burden of administration, allowing patients more quality time with their clinician, and our new guidance shows the NHS’s ability to rapidly and safely harness the very latest innovations to transform healthcare and bring benefits for our hardworking staff and our patients.”