This guide is designed to provide The Royal Children's Hospital (RCH) patients and families with answers to frequently asked questions relating to the AI Ambient Listening Scribe.
Overview
What is AI Ambient Scribe?
AI Ambient Scribe is a digital tool that helps clinicians capture and document conversations during outpatient appointments. It listens in real time and creates accurate medical notes, so clinicians can focus more on patients and families rather than typing or writing.
Why is the RCH introducing AI Ambient Scribe?
We are introducing this technology to improve the quality of care by:
- Allowing clinicians to spend more time listening and supporting patients
- Ensuring medical notes are standardised and accurate
- Reducing time clinicians spend on paperwork
Your appointment
Will AI Ambient Scribe change how my appointment feels?
It might! Your clinician will still lead the conversation. The AI Ambient Scribe simply records and structures notes in the background. We anticipate this means your clinician will spend more time listening and talking with you, rather than typing notes. Clinicians will continue to explain medical questions clearly, provide context, and ensure discussions are respectful and culturally safe.
Will I know when AI Ambient Scribe is being used?
Yes, you will be informed at the start of your appointment if AI Ambient Scribe is being used. You will also be told how the information is captured and stored.
Can I choose not to have AI Ambient Scribe used in my appointment?
Yes, patients and families can opt out – if this is your preference, let your clinician know and they will take notes in the traditional way.
Privacy and confidentiality
How is my privacy protected?
AI Ambient Scribe follows strict hospital privacy and security standards. Conversations are recorded only for medical documentation purposes. Your final medical notes are stored securely in your electronic medical record, as they are today.
What happens if sensitive information is shared during the appointment?
Our clinicians are trained to handle sensitive information with care. They can also pause the AI Ambient Scribe technology for sensitive topics. If this is you or your family's preference, please let your clinician know and the AI Ambient Scribe can be turned off.
Clinical practice
Does AI Ambient Scribe replace the clinician?
No, AI Ambient Scribe is a documentation support tool. Clinicians remain responsible for all medical decisions, explanations, and patient care.
How do clinicians make sure the notes are accurate?
Clinicians will review, amend (if needed) and approve all notes generated by AI Ambient Scribe before they are added to your electronic medical record.
Will AI Ambient Scribe be used in every clinic?
Not yet, we are starting with a small wave in selected outpatient clinics to test and refine the process before expanding.
Cultural and emotional safety
How will the hospital ensure culturally safe conversations?
Clinicians are trained to provide context, avoid judgmental language, and respect cultural and religious differences. AI Ambient Scribe is designed to support—not replace—these practices.
What if my child feels uncomfortable or anxious about the technology?
Clinicians will explain the purpose of AI Ambient Scribe in simple, supportive language. Patients and families can opt out – if this is your preference, let your clinician know and they will take notes in the traditional way.
Next steps
When will AI Ambient Scribe be available?
Our rollout begins on January 2026 in a small group of selected outpatient clinics. We will expand gradually based on patient, family, and clinician feedback.
How can patients and families give feedback?
We welcome all feedback from patients, families, and carers. If you have any feedback, we ask you to either inform your clinician or complete a feedback form via our website.