At Blackheath Medical Practice, we are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) to help improve the quality and efficiency of patient care. AI is becoming an essential tool in healthcare, especially in hospitals, where it assists doctors in assessing X-rays and scans. It also helps identify pigmented skin lesions that might be melanoma skin cancers, supporting early detection and faster treatment.
How we use AI
We use AI in several ways to support doctors and make your healthcare experience better:
Consultation note transcription
During your appointment, AI helps by transcribing consultation notes, allowing your doctor to focus entirely on listening to you and planning your care. We review these notes for accuracy before saving them in your medical records. If you prefer not to have AI transcribe your consultation, simply let your doctor know.
Referral letters
AI can also draft referral letters based on the details of your consultation. This speeds up the process, ensuring that necessary referrals are completed quickly and efficiently.
Saving time for better care
The AI transcription tool can save doctors between 2 and 15 minutes per consultation, giving them more time to focus on you. It also ensures your consultation is fully recorded and that any referral letters are processed swiftly.
Support for complex cases
When dealing with more complex medical issues, AI can suggest a consultation plan to guide doctors through important symptoms to explore. It can also remind them of necessary examinations, blood tests, and imaging, ensuring a thorough and thoughtful approach to your healthcare.
AI in eConsulting
Our eConsulting platform now uses AI to assess patient presentations. An example of where this has proven especially helpful has been in those experiencing mental health symptoms; the system guides patients through relevant questionnaires, helping doctors to get a clearer picture of their symptoms and needs.
AI-powered medical research support
Blackheath Medical Centre also benefits from AI tools like OpenEvidence, which distils knowledge from a vast pool of peer-reviewed medical research. This helps your doctors stay up to date with the latest clinical findings, ensuring that your care is informed by the most current and reliable medical evidence.
A tool for better healthcare
AI is not replacing doctors—it is supporting them in providing high-quality, efficient, and thoughtful care. By integrating AI, we can ensure that every patient gets the attention and careful assessment they need.
We understand that technology in healthcare raises questions, and we want you to feel comfortable and informed. If you have any concerns about how AI is used in your care, please speak to your doctor.
AI is transforming healthcare, and at Blackheath Medical Centre, we are using it to help us provide better, faster, and more comprehensive care—for you.