We would like to ensure that practices have received the communication from Kafico (29/04/25) regarding the Heidi DPIA and the roll-out recommendations to ensure you comply with the ICO’s expectations.
If you are looking to use any AI transcription / medical scribe software (Heidi / Tortus etc) please ensure you have discussed this with Kafico and have put all the required steps in place.
Patients need to be made aware and need to have the opportunity to opt out of its use.
Please ensure you fully document and risk assess any change in process to ensure you comply with all regulations and remain compliant with CQC and indemnity requirements.
Please see NHSE Guidance – Guidance on the use of AI-enabled ambient scribing products in health and care settings
GPC note - Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in General Practice
NHSE - Digital have introduced a AI knowledge repository which may be useful for practices looking at how this can benefit their practice.
The BMA report on
Principles for artificial intelligence (AI) and its application in healthcare
sets out how AI is being used in healthcare currently, how it could be used in the near future, and examines both the potential benefits and drawbacks with respect to patients, clinicians, and the efficiency of the overall healthcare system.
BMA GPC have also issued guidance regarding the use of AI in general practice.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) software in General Practice
Within this they state
"However, we feel it is important to make it clear that there are risks associated with the use of technologies, especially if they are to be considered medical devices, and appropriate regulatory approval must be in place before clinical use occurs. It is important to have absolute clarity around the use of confidential patient data, where it is transferred, when being processed, and where it may later be stored, and if it is made available for secondary purposes. "