Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is AVT?
AVT stands for Ambient Voice Technology. It is a secure digital tool that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to listen to and record the conversation during an appointment or consultation and helps clinicians create a follow up letter.
How does AVT work?
Your doctor or clinician will use AVT to record the conversation that they have with you in the appointment. The recording device will turn the conversation into notes. Your doctor or clinician will check that these notes are accurate before adding them to your follow up letter or patient record.
Why is AVT being used?
AVT gives your doctor or clinician more time to focus on you instead of typing or making notes.
Will my care be different?
No. Your care will stay the same. What will be different is that your doctor or consultant will spend less time typing or looking at a screen and more time with you.
AVT does not replace your clinician. They always check the notes made by AVT to make sure they are correct. Your doctor or clinician will still make all the decisions about your care.
Does AVT make any decisions about my care?
No. AVT cannot diagnose you, give medical advice, or provide your care. It only listens and writes notes. Your care team makes all the medical decisions.
Is my information kept safe?
Yes. Your information is kept safe, following NHS information governance and data protection rules.
Who can see my notes?
Just like with notes written or typed in your appointment, only the people on your care team can see the notes that AVT makes.
Does AVT use AI?
Yes. Artificial Intelligence, or AI, is technology that learns and helps perform tasks that a person might do – like typing notes.
AVT uses artificial intelligence (AI) to transcribe the conversation in an appointment. This helps your clinician create notes so they can spend more time listening and talking to you.
Does AVT get things wrong? What happens then?
Sometimes AVT might mishear a conversation or get something wrong, like any AI or digital tool. Your care team will always clinically review the notes and correct any mistakes before adding them to your record and taking next steps.
Can AVT understand different accents?
AVT is built to understand many accents and ways of speaking. If your doctor or clinician thinks AVT might have trouble understanding you, they will not use it.
What is if I don’t want something private recorded or written down?
If you don’t want AVT to be used, simply tell your doctor or clinician. They can either turn AVT off or delete these particular private details from the notes for you.
Can I say not to using AVT in my appointment? What about part-way through?
Yes. You can say no at any point. Using AVT is your choice.
You can say no before your appointment starts or ask for it to be turned off at any time during your appointment. This will not change the care you receive.
