Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government how the NHS are using generative AI transcription tools; and what steps they are taking to prevent the risk of errors generated by the technology.

New artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are being developed that have the potential to improve healthcare delivery and to provide significant cost savings to the National Health Service. These technologies could help ease the administrative burden faced by staff and make systems more efficient. One example is the use of transcription tools such as automated voice to text tools.

Several NHS trusts are running trials, including a multi-site assessment of the impact of using automated transcription software. The NHS AI team is monitoring these developments and developing guidance for the responsible use of these tools. This guidance will be informed by the Government’s broader guidance on the use of Generative AI in the public sector.

The NHS operates within a comprehensive regulatory framework. The Department has provided £9.3 million of funding to ensure the regulatory pathway is clear for both developers and adopters. Through this funding, the Department has supported the launch of regulatory projects such as the AI and Digital Regulation Service, bringing together information, advice, and guidance, from multiple healthcare regulators to support adopters and developers of AI to easily understand what regulatory and evaluation pathways need to be followed before an AI tool can be safety deployed across health and care.