🏥 Good News: New AI “Digital Scribe” Helping Doctors Spend More Time With Patients

We’re pleased to share some exciting developments from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust that could directly improve your experience at clinic appointments.

A new technology called Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) is gradually being introduced across parts of the Trust. Think of it as a secure “digital scribe” that supports your clinician during your consultation.

What does it do?

With your permission, the system listens to the natural conversation between you and your doctor or nurse. It then:

  • Creates the clinical notes automatically

  • Drafts follow-up actions

  • Updates the electronic patient record (*i.e. another reason to use myMFT)

This means your clinician doesn’t need to spend as much time typing or looking at a screen — and can focus more fully on you.

đź“Š What Have the Early Results Shown?

Colleagues from Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust recently presented results from the Dragon Copilot trial at the Microsoft AI Tour in London.

The findings are encouraging:

âś… 88% of clinicians report saving around 2 minutes per appointment on documentation
âś… 88% say it improves quality and increases face-to-face time with patients
âś… Reduced mental workload for clinicians
âś… Significant reduction in after-clinic administrative work

Two minutes may not sound like much — but across a full clinic list, it adds up. Over time, this could help improve efficiency, reduce waiting times, and improve the overall clinic experience.

đź’» How Is It Being Used?

The Dragon Copilot system connects directly into the Trust’s Hive Electronic Patient Record system. It is currently being used in:

  • Outpatient clinics

  • Manchester Royal Infirmary’s Emergency Department

Further expansion is planned in the coming weeks.

❤️ Why This Matters for NAC Patients

For patients with chronic conditions such as aspergillosis, consultations are often detailed and complex. Anything that:

  • Frees up clinician time

  • Improves note accuracy

  • Reduces administrative burden

  • Supports more focused, human interaction

…is a positive step forward.

The aim is not to replace clinicians — but to support them, so your appointment time is spent on what matters most: listening, explaining, planning, and answering your questions.

We’ll continue to keep you updated as this technology develops. It’s encouraging to see innovation being used to strengthen patient-centred care.

If you’d like to learn more, a short video featuring Trust leaders and clinicians was showcased at the Microsoft AI Tour and is available via Trust communications channels.

by GAtherton