Ambient Voice Technology

The meaningful use of ambient voice technology (AVT) in the NHS programme supports the implementation, adoption, meaningful use and evaluation of AI‑enabled ambient scribing technology across the NHS.

Programme Summary

Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) uses artificial intelligence (AI) to convert clinical conversations into documentation such as clinical notes and patient letters. AVT is of significant interest to the NHS: it has the potential to reduce administrative burden, release clinician time, and improve patient and staff experience.

However, its impact on cost and safety and insight into how to use it to best effect are still not well understood. The Network AVT programme provides practical support for understanding the supplier market, as well as procuring, implementing and adopting AVT in the NHS.

The programme offers:

• Detailed resources to procure, implement and evaluate AVT.
• Peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving through communities of practice and action learning sets.
• Insight into what works – so that AVT can deliver real benefits for patients and staff.

A large-scale evaluation of uptake, use, impact and economic implications of AVT will be undertaken as part of programme delivery.

The programme will develop a blueprint for the effective use of AVT in the NHS.

Alignment with NHS England

Our approach is simple: one national initiative, working as one system.

NHS England is providing national funding, guidance, standards and implementation support.

The Health Innovation Network is supporting implementation, navigating the supplier landscape, supplier engagement, learning and evidence generation alongside the Frontline Productivity programme.

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) helps provide regulatory clarity, and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and research partners strengthen the independent evidence base.

Together, we are helping NHS organisations deploy AVT safely, integrate it into clinical workflows, and realise productivity and patient care benefits at scale.

Supporting NHS priorities

The programme directly supports national NHS priorities and the Government’s strategic shifts in care.

From analogue to digital

The programme accelerates digital transformation by supporting the adoption of AVT. Through practical implementation support, shared learning and alignment with national priorities, NHS organisations are enabled to transition from analogue processes to efficient digital workflows.

Tackling health inequalities

The programme examines where patient groups (such as those who do not speak English as a first language or those with speech impediments) are not well-served by AVT and seeks to provide recommendations for providers to implement AVT equitably across all patient populations.

Find out more about our national and local programmes of work

C&M pilot

C&M Provider Collaborative AVT at-scale pilot

A co-produced evaluation of Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) across Cheshire and Merseyside (C&M), generating evidence to support future adoption, scaling and investment decisions.   

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