BMA Cautions GPs About Significant Risks Associated with AI Scribing Tools

The British Medical Association (BMA) has urged General Practitioners (GPs) to halt the use of AI scribing tools until adequate data protection and safety assessments are conducted. Although government guidance from April 2025 encourages NHS clinicians to utilize ambient voice technology (AVT) for transcribing patient consultations, the BMA highlights significant risks regarding information governance and patient safety. Their advisory suggests that practices should pause the use of these tools if there are any concerns. GPs are responsible for ensuring the safety of these platforms, including verifying if the products are registered as class one medical devices with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. A spokesperson for NHS England emphasized their commitment to ensuring compliance with clinical safety and data security. Meanwhile, early evaluations show that AVT can significantly reduce administrative burdens, allowing more patient engagement. Nonetheless, experts caution that potential risks, including inaccuracy, are often overlooked.

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