We are pleased to launch our evaluation report into the Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) pilot at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
The NHS 10 Year Plan identifies Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) as core enablers in the shift from an “analogue to digital”. TheHill conducted a six-month, multi-department trial of AVT solutions in OUH and are pleased to share the results in our newly published evaluation report.
The report outlines the usefulness of AVT in OUH settings, highlights engagement with clinical staff and their perspectives on using the technology and provides an informed approach to support the procurement and subsequent implementation of AVT in the future.
Key findings of the report include:
- Time savings – Staff using AVT reported substantial time savings: 87% reported reduced documentation time with 45.5% reported saving 5–15 minutes per consultation
- Staff experience and wellbeing – Staff experienced marked improvements in wellbeing, work-life balance, and reduced stress, with 73% reporting less exhaustion and administrative burden after AVT implementation.
- Accuracy – AVT systems produced accurate records for most clinical encounters, though 37% required some editing for minor errors or hallucinations, with accuracy varying more by clinical workflow than solution.
- Use for dictation – AVT outperformed existing dictation tools in direct tasks, with nearly 70% of users rating its dictation quality as excellent or good, and only minor corrections typically required.
Patient acceptance of AVT was exceptionally high, with only 0.3% declining its use. Staff-reported feedback indicated that patients consistently described the process as efficient, thorough and helpful.
Ambient Voice Technology has received significant national attention as a solution to productivity in the NHS. It is seen as being central to the Government’s NHS 10-Year Health Plan of moving from analogue to digital systems and improving productivity and staff retention.
For more information about this report, please email [email protected].
Download and read Ambient Voice Technology (AVT) in Acute Services – An Evaluation (pdf).