Ambient AI Scribes: What Patients Should Know

An ambient scribe listens to or records a consultation, creates a transcript or summary, and generates draft notes. The clinician should review, correct and approve the final record.

• What is the name of the scribe tool?
• Is it approved by the clinic?
• Is the consultation being recorded, transcribed or summarised?
• Is the audio kept after the note is created?
• How long are transcripts and draft notes retained?
• Will the supplier use the data to train or improve models?
• Can I say no to the scribe?
• Who checks the note before it enters my record?

• The clinic explains the tool before use.
• The clinician remains accountable for the final note.
• Patients have a clear way to object or ask questions.
• The clinic has privacy wording that mentions the tool.
• The clinic can explain supplier, retention and data handling.
• Staff use approved tools rather than personal apps or free consumer tools.

These points are not proof of a breach. They are governance warning signs that may justify further questions.

• Staff cannot name the tool being used.
• The clinic cannot explain whether audio is retained.
• The privacy notice does not mention recording, transcription or AI where these tools are visibly used.
• A personal phone app appears to be used without explanation.
• The patient is told the tool is mandatory without any explanation of alternatives.
• AI-generated notes or letters contain obvious factual errors.