What's Happening?
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) is piloting an AI tool designed to improve efficiency and patient care by transcribing conversations between clinicians and patients into structured medical
notes. This initiative, taking place at Emergency Operations Centres in Crawley and Medway, aims to reduce the administrative burden on clinicians, allowing them to focus more on patient care. The AI technology, developed by Tortus, is being tested to ensure it can accurately transcribe notes while maintaining consistency with clinician input. The trial is set to conclude in February 2026, after which the service will evaluate how best to integrate the technology into their operations.
Why It's Important?
The use of AI in ambulance services represents a significant step towards modernizing healthcare delivery. By automating the transcription of medical notes, the technology can potentially reduce the time clinicians spend on administrative tasks, thereby increasing the time available for direct patient care. This could lead to more efficient use of resources and improved patient outcomes. The pilot also highlights the growing role of AI in healthcare, as it is being adopted to enhance operational efficiency and support clinical decision-making. Successful integration of such technology could set a precedent for other healthcare services to follow, ultimately transforming patient care across the industry.
What's Next?
Following the completion of the pilot in February 2026, Secamb will assess the results to determine the feasibility of wider implementation. Key considerations will include the accuracy and reliability of the AI tool, as well as its impact on clinical workflows and patient care. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals and technology developers, will likely engage in discussions to refine the technology and address any challenges identified during the trial. The outcome of this pilot could influence future investments in AI technologies within the healthcare sector, potentially leading to broader adoption across various medical services.
