Helping patients understand ambient voice technology: a new video to support digital inclusion

A new patient video explains ambient voice technology (AVT) – sometimes called AI-scribes or notetakers – in a clear and reassuring way. It helps people understand how AVT may be used in appointments, why it can be helpful and how it supports the conversation between clinicians and patients.

The video uses plain language and focuses on patient choice. It aims to build trust and understanding around new technology in healthcare.

The video will sit alongside supporting resources for services. These include a poster to help share the video in GP surgeries and other healthcare settings, and an FAQ for clinicians and healthcare providers.

Together, these resources will support clear and consistent communication.

People panels across Sussex and Kent helped to co-design the video. To support digital inclusion, it will be available in commonly spoken languages across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

View and download the video and resources

You can share these links with your patients. Please feel free to download them if you would prefer to host them on your own systems.

• English
• Arabic
• Farsi (Persian)
• Pashto
• Bengali
• Urdu
• Tamil
• Polish
• Romanian
• Portuguese
• Full playlist of all languages

Download a transcript for screen readers (English only)

Supporting poster and FAQs

This poster for your surgery features a QR code that links to a playlist of the videos in all languages.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ambient Voice Technology for clinicians and healthcare providers. 

What is Ambient Voice Technology?

Ambient Voice Technology is a tool that helps healthcare professionals create notes during appointments. It listens to the conversation between the clinician and patient and uses artificial intelligence to turn what is said into a draft set of clinical notes. This means the clinician can spend less time typing and more time focusing on the person in front of them.

The clinician remains in control at all times, reviewing and approving the notes before they are added to the patient’s record. The aim is to reduce administrative workload, improve the quality of documentation and support more natural, person-centred conversations during appointments.

Why is the NHS investing in AVT?

Ambient Voice Technology directly supports the UK government’s push for an “analogue to digital” shift in healthcare, as outlined in the NHS Long-Term Plan.
The health system faces mounting pressures: rising patient demand, workforce shortages, and clinician burnout driven by excessive administrative tasks.

AVT addresses these challenges by automating documentation and freeing clinicians to focus on patient care, which aligns with the government’s vision of digital-by-default services and streamlined workflows.

Is your health and care practice considering investing in AVT?

Health Innovation Kent Surrey Sussex is uniquely positioned to offer insights into ambient voice technology because of our hands-on experience with real-world deployments. By facilitating independent evaluations of solutions, such as Magic Notes and TORTUS as part of our Office for Life Sciences commission, we have explored how AI-driven voice tools can streamline clinical documentation and reduce administrative burden in frontline care.

Discover our suite of AVT resources, including the guide, How to implement Ambient Voice Technology in health and care.

Sign up to our AVT Alerts newsletter