Ambient Voice Technology trial at Oxford University Hospitals

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) is currently trialling Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) in a number of inpatient and outpatient services, as part of its commitment to using innovative tools to enhance the experience of patients and staff.

AVT is a type of technology that uses a microphone and secure artificial intelligence (AI) software to help clinicians document patient consultations in real time. It works by capturing spoken words and converting them into clinical notes and letters, which are then reviewed by clinicians to ensure accuracy and completeness before being stored in health records.

All voice data is processed securely in accordance with clinical and safety standards, and the pilot is being conducted under robust governance that takes into account NHS England guidance.

The trial is being facilitated by TheHill, OUH's Digital Innovation team, and is running in a mix of inpatient and outpatient services at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Oxford, and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

The specific services involved are:

• Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Oxford Critical Care
• Cancer Outpatients
• Community Paediatrics
• Dermatology
• ENT 

The first phase of the pilot will run from July to August 2025, with the second phase running from September to October 2025.

Potential benefits could include clinicians having more time to listen and interact with patients, rather than typing; a reduction in administrative burden for staff; and improvement in the quality of letters produced. These and other potential benefits will be tested for as part of the pilot.

Dr Ben Attwood, Chief Digital and Information Officer at OUH, said "We want to take full advantage of new technologies to improve care for our patients, whilst doing this responsibly and safely.

"As a Trust that is leading in teaching and research, we are at the forefront of testing and evaluating these technologies to ensure their safety and efficacy within a well-established governance framework.

"I'm excited to see how these technologies will transform patient care across many different specialties, as well as improving efficiency and quality of care."

Megan Morys-Carter, Director of Digital Innovation at OUH, said "TheHill team is well set up to pilot new technologies that may be of benefit to patient care. These evaluations are a really important part of working out whether a technology works for us and for our patients before we commit to a procurement.

"We will be getting detailed feedback from staff and patients as well as measuring the effect on productivity and accuracy. We particularly welcome any feedback from patients who experience the technology - look out for posters on the walls in the participating departments and fill out our survey to have your say."

If AVT is being using during your appointment, your clinician will explain the technology and its purpose and give you the opportunity to opt out.

You can find out more information and FAQs via TheHill's website.

Oxford University Hospitals AVT Pilot FAQs - TheHill