Implementing AI-Scribing into outpatient clinics to enhance care and reduce burnout

AI-Scribing tool TORTUS is now available to clinicians running outpatient clinics, with training provided by our innovation team - GOSH DRIVE.

This rollout follows a 2 year collaborative research project and successful trial of the technology involving over 17,000 patient interactions across nine NHS sites. Results of the trial showed a 23.5% increase in direct patient interaction time and an 8.2% reduction in appointment length.

The roll out also forms part of our AI Strategy, which aims to deliver real world AI solutions that improve patient outcomes, our corporate functions and the working lives of our staff in a safe and sustainable way.

The tool supports clinicians by automating clinical documentation during consultations. This means:

• More time spent face-to-face interacting with patients and families
• Less time on admin tasks
• Improved accuracy and efficiency in clinical notes

Dr Maaike Kusters, who took part in the trial of the tech at GOSH said: “The patients I see in my clinics have very complex medical conditions and it’s so important to make sure I capture what we discuss in our appointments accurately, but often this means I am typing rather than looking directly at my patient and their family.

“Using the AI tool meant I could sit closer to them face-to-face and really focus on what they were sharing with me, without compromising on the quality of documentation.”

Find out more about the study here.

If you are attending an outpatient appointment, your clinician may be using the TORTUS AI-Scribing tool. We have completed rigorous testing to make sure the tool is safe and to ensure your information remains secure and private.

We have created a list of some commonly asked questions for patients and families here and have put posters up in outpatient waiting rooms. You can also speak to your clinician about the tool during your appointment if you have questions.

Anna Peck and her daughter, 17-year-old Bea witnessed the tool first hand in clinic with Dr Kusters. Speaking of the experience Anna said: “It was great to see the tool in practice – during our consultation with Dr Kusters we were able to ask all our questions without any interruption thanks to the tool picking up our discussion.

"We’ve always had a great relationship with our clinicians, but this time we felt like full focus was on us. It was really positive. Due to Bea’s medical needs, we attend many appointments at different hospitals and can see this making a difference.”