Key Summary
- NHS wants GPs and hospitals to stop using dubious artificial intelligence software during patient meetings
- It had in April urged the doctors to use AI for notetaking using Ambient Voice Technology software
- But it now claims that many AVT suppliers, who fail to meet NHS governance standards, are selling them to doctors
- British Medical Association officials want the NHS to help doctors choose the safe AVT software
Doctors have been warned against the use of AI software that does not meet minimum standards to record and transcribe patient meetings.
NHS England has demanded GPs and hospitals stop using artificial intelligence software that could breach data protection rules and put patients at risk, according to media reports.
Interestingly, this warning comes after the NHS had in April urged doctors to use AI for notetaking using Ambient Voice Technology software "to free up staff time and deliver better care to patients".
Now, the NHS England has, in a letter dated June 9, warned doctors that the use of unapproved software could harm patients.
The letter said that a number of AVT solutions, which are non-compliant, are being widely used in clinical practice.
It pointed out that many AVT suppliers are approaching NHS organisations, and many of them have not complied with NHS governance standards.
The letter warned that the use of such AI software puts clinical safety and data protection at risk, and fragments NHS's digital strategy.
Though NHS England sets minimum standards, but does not tell NHS trusts and healthcare providers which software providers to use.
Dr David Wrigley from the British Medical Association wants the NHS to help doctors choose the safe AVT software, as doctors do not have the technological knowledge to do this.
The BMA has advised the GPs to carry out clinical safety and data protection impact assessments on scribing technology before using it.
They have been told to check "if products have been registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as class one medical devices and are compliant with NHS standards."
