Key Recommendations from the BMA
The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged general practitioners (GPs) to halt the use of AI scribing tools until they have conducted thorough data protection and safety assessments.
Government Guidance
In April 2025, the government released guidance promoting the use of ambient voice technology (AVT) and generative AI for transcribing patient consultations into structured medical documentation.
BMA’s Concerns
Despite the potential benefits of these technologies, the BMA has expressed concerns regarding their safety:
- The tools may enhance consultation efficiency and reduce administrative burdens.
- However, they also pose significant risks related to information governance and patient safety.
- The BMA advises practices to pause the use of these tools if there are any uncertainties.
Responsibilities of GP Practices
Even when AI scribing tools are included in packages with other IT solutions, GPs must ensure their safety:
- Practices are responsible for any outcomes resulting from the use of these technologies.
- It is essential for practices to confirm they have conducted appropriate clinical safety and information governance checks.
Recommended Assessments
GPs are encouraged to:
- Conduct clinical safety and data protection impact assessments on the scribing technology.
- Verify if the products are registered with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency as class one medical devices.
- Ensure compliance with NHS standards.
Recent Developments
This warning follows a letter from Dr. Alec Price-Forbes, the national chief clinical information officer at NHS England, dated June 9, 2025, which advised caution regarding AVT usage.
A spokesperson for NHS England stated:
“We are collaborating with NHS organizations and suppliers to ensure that all ambient voice technology products used in the health service comply with NHS standards on clinical safety and data security.”
Evaluation Results
Preliminary findings from a London-wide evaluation of AVT, led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, indicated that the technology significantly reduced administrative tasks, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care.
Industry Insights
During the NHS CondExpo on June 12, 2025, Health Secretary Wes Streeting noted that some clinicians are already utilizing ambient AI for note-taking, even if their practices have not yet adopted the technology. He remarked that this trend reflects a strong demand for AI solutions among healthcare professionals.
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Jessica Morley from Yale University’s Digital Ethics Centre highlighted that the risks associated with AVT are often underestimated due to issues related to accuracy and hallucinations.