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AI enabled ambient scribing products template DPIA

This template data protection impact assessment (DPIA) is for professionals in health and care organisations who are responsible for considering the information governance (IG) implications of adopting an AI enabled ambient scribing product for individual care purposes. 

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What are AI enabled ambient scribing products

AI enabled ambient scribing products, also known as ambient scribes, are a type of artificial intelligence tool that listen in the background to capture speech or conversations and produce a task-specific output, such as a summary of the conversation or a letter. Health and care organisations may use this technology to reduce administrative burden on their health and care staff.

Template DPIA

A DPIA is highly likely to be a legal requirement for the use of an ambient scribe in a health or care setting because:

  • they usually require large-scale processing of special category data
  • they usually involve systematic evaluation of personal aspects about individuals based on automated processing
  • the technology and its use in health and care is new and not widely understood by the public

NHS England has produced a tailored DPIA template for the use of an ambient scribe for individual care which can help you fulfil this requirement.

Last edited: 5 May 2026 3:58 pm