We’re using technology to improve your care

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We are introducing an AI tool called Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) into your appointments. The tool listens to your conversations with your clinician and helps them to create comprehensive notes. 

The technology will begin rolling out in the Upper Gastroenterology from July 2026, before expanding to additional outpatients and our ED departments later this year.

AVT converts conversations into text and uses advanced language processing to create draft clinic notes and letters using clinician-approved templates. Similar technology is already widely used in everyday life through voice assistants on smartphones, in vehicles and through smart home devices.

Importantly, any documentation generated by the technology remains in draft form until it has been reviewed, checked and approved by the clinician. Clinicians retain full responsibility for ensuring records are accurate before they are added to a patient's medical record.

The introduction of AVT follows a period of evaluation across a range of specialties within the Trust, where the technology has been explored as a way to support clinical practice and improve efficiency.

By reducing the time clinicians spend on manual note-taking and letter generation, AVT has the potential to:

  • Reduce administrative burden for clinical staff.
  • Allow clinicians to focus more on their conversations with patients.
  • Improve communication between patients and healthcare professionals.
  • Support more efficient clinical workflows.

As the technology develops, additional features may become available, including support for booking investigations and scheduling follow-up appointments.

Patient privacy, confidentiality and data security remain a priority. Robust safeguards are in place, and all information is handled in accordance with NHS information governance and data protection requirements.

The introduction of Ambient Voice Technology forms part of the Trust's wider commitment to using digital innovation to enhance patient care and improve the experience of both patients and staff.

Understanding ambient voice technology: a new video for patients

You may have heard about ambient voice technology (AVT) being used in some healthcare appointments and wondered what it means for you.

To help answer common questions, a new patient video explains AVT in a simple, clear and reassuring way.

The video shows how AVT can help clinicians create notes during an appointment, allowing them to spend more time listening and talking to you, rather than typing or writing notes.

Using plain language, the video explains what AVT is, how it works and how your information is handled. It also makes clear that you can ask questions, understand your options and make informed choices about your care.

The video and supporting resources were developed by Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex.

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To help make the information accessible to more people, the video is available in a range of commonly spoken languages. These versions contain the same information and use the same visuals, with the content translated into different languages to support wider access and understanding. All language versions are hosted on YouTube, making them easy to view and share.  AVT video script for screen readers is also available.