Artificial Intelligence

What is Ambient Voice Technology?

We use Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) in some outpatient and domiciliary appointments to help clinicians record and summarise your consultation.

AVT uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to securely convert the conversation between you and your clinician into written notes in real time.

You may be familiar with similar technology through voice assistants such as those on mobile phones, in cars, or smart home devices like Alexa.

At CSH Surrey, we use a medical-grade AVT system called Accurx AI Scribe. Unlike general consumer voice tools, this system is designed specifically for healthcare use. It meets, and exceeds all industry standards for data protection, privacy, and confidentiality, and has been configured with specialist medical terminology to ensure your clinical notes are accurate and secure.

What will happen at my appointment?

If Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) is used during your appointment, a microphone will capture the words spoken by you and your clinician. This may be through a computer, laptop, mobile device, or a small lapel or desktop microphone.

Your appointment will take place exactly as usual. The only difference is that your clinician will spend less time typing and more time focused on you.

The technology securely converts spoken words into text in real time, creating a summary and clinic letter at the end of your consultation.

Why are we using Ambient Voice Technology?

Using this technology can lead to several benefits:

• More accurate notes: The conversation is recorded in real time to help ensure that all the important details are captured and your medical record is accurate and easier to understand.
• Better care: The technology frees up your clinician from some administrative tasks. This means that they can give you their full attention and listen closely rather than focusing on notetaking.
• Faster: With AVT the notes are completed in real time, we hope that in some cases this will reduce the time between the appointment finishing and the referrals or letters being ready to be sent to your GP or other healthcare services.

Is it safe and secure?

We understand that some people may have concerns about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare. At CSH Surrey, your privacy and confidentiality are our highest priority. We have carried out thorough safety and security checks to ensure the technology we use is fully compliant and safe.

The system, developed by Accurx, a clinically led UK company, is an MHRA-registered medical device that meets all requirements of UK data protection legislation, including UK GDPR.

All information is processed within a fully secure environment and is automatically deleted from the Accurx system once your clinical documentation is complete.

Will Accurx store my information?

No, patient data is processed in a fully secure environment and deleted as soon as the documentation is complete and added to your patient record.

Can I ask not to have Ambient Voice Technology at my appointment?

If you prefer not to have this technology running during your appointment, then please let your clinician know. You will need to let them know at each appointment.