Read Again: How AI Notetaking Could Reduce Admin Pressure

An NHS provider responsible for ADHD and autism assessments has reported substantial reductions in administrative workload after trialling an AI-supported tool designed to record and summarise clinical appointments

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in Digital Health

As of mid-2025, national waiting lists remained extremely high, with more than 236,000 people waiting for an autism assessment and over 549,000 people waiting for an ADHD assessment.

Overview of the Trial

A community interest company delivering NHS services, carried out an eight-week evaluation of Magic Notes, an AI tool. The purpose of the trial was to understand whether automated notetaking could reduce administrative strain on clinicians and improve the quality of clinical documentation. The pilot ran between April and June 2025 and involved 28 clinicians across neurodevelopmental and school health teams. The findings suggest that administrative automation has clear potential across a wide range of healthcare settings.

Major Reductions in Time Spent Writing Reports

The trial demonstrated significant gains in efficiency, especially for clinicians conducting autism and ADHD assessments. A potential 63% reduction in the time required to draft formal assessment reports was identified, freeing up clinicians to focus on patient-facing tasks rather than extensive documentation. The scale of potential time savings suggests clear opportunities in primary care. Tools capable of capturing core consultation details could help with safeguarding records, long-term condition reviews, extended consultations and letters to external services.

Clinicians involved in the trial reported a 62% improvement in the depth and precision of their written records. The software was able to merge information from previous documentation, audio, video and handwritten inputs to create tailored summaries and structured reports.

For GP teams, this capability could translate into more consistent documentation across clinicians, fewer omissions in complex consultations, and improved audit readiness.

Positive Impact on Patient Interaction

Staff in the trial reported that using the AI assistant improved their ability to concentrate fully during appointments. By reducing the need for constant manual notetaking, they felt better able to observe non-verbal communication, maintain engagement and ask more probing questions.

For GP practice managers managing workforce pressures, this highlights how AI-supported tools could contribute to reduced burnout risk and improved job satisfaction among clinicians, nurses and allied health professionals.

Growing Interest in AI-Scribe Technology

The results align with findings from a London-wide evaluation of AI-scribe systems led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. That programme identified substantial benefits for both patients and staff, although wider adoption across the NHS has been slowed by ongoing regulatory considerations.

GP practice managers should remain aware of these developments, as national guidance may evolve, creating opportunities for early adoption within primary care once frameworks are clarified. Systems capable of securely producing accurate, structured records could significantly reduce administrative pressure at practice level.