Artificial intelligence (AI)-powered administrative support could save an average of 400,000 hours of staff time per month if fully rolled out across the NHS, according to a new Microsoft Copilot trial.
The pilot, which is the largest of its kind globally in healthcare, looked at the impact of Microsoft’s 365 Copilot across 90 NHS organisations, including over 30,000 staff. It found that the technology saved an average of 43 minutes per day per staff member, which would equate to five weeks annually.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said this could save an estimated 83,333 hours in notetaking time, alongside 217,000 hours by summarising long and complex email chains for clinicians and staff each month.
Health innovation minister Dr Zubir Ahmed said: ‘As an NHS surgeon and clinician, I know how frustrating it can be to be held up by archaic technology that makes day-to-day tasks painstakingly long.
‘This partnership with Microsoft will help free up staff from spending time on admin so they can focus on what they want to be doing – treating patients.’
By improving efficiency in this way, the NHS estimates that hundreds of millions of pounds could be saved each year, which could be reinvested into patient care and frontline services.
‘Huge potential’ for AI to boost productivity
Health leaders have said this ‘shines a light on the huge potential’ of AI to reduce workloads and bureaucracy.
Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘When rolled out effectively, AI tools have great potential to improve NHS productivity and solve specific and identifiable problems.’
But, she also warned AI was ‘not always the most appropriate solution and is not the answer to every challenge’.
‘That is why these pilots are so important, as they can suggest the impact AI tools can have when deployed more widely. However, it is vital that the NHS has the right digital infrastructure to support the development of AI tools and that staff are provided the training needed to use the software properly to achieve the most benefits,’ she added.
‘Some areas may have poor or incompatible infrastructure and will not be ready for Copilot yet, with some providers still lacking basics like reliable WiFi, interoperable and secure platforms. Continued capital investment is going to be vital if the NHS is going to develop and maintain the digital infrastructure it needs to make the most of developing AI technologies.’
Chief executive of NHS Providers, Daniel Elkeles added that ‘any measures that help free up NHS staff time to focus on frontline care and boost productivity should be welcomed’.
Saving time and money
The DHSC said that Microsoft Copilot is now available across the whole of the NHS, at no additional cost for the health service, and is currently being used by more than 50,000 members of staff, with this expected to increase significantly.
The software works by using AI within the office software staff already use, including Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint. It enables users to use questions or prompts to get help with tasks and workflows, allowing for quicker and more efficient collaboration and task management.
Darren Hardman, CEO of Microsoft UK & Ireland, commented that the trial proves the ‘extraordinary potential’ of AI to ‘transform healthcare’.
‘By reducing admin and giving healthcare workers back a reported 43 minutes every day, Microsoft 365 Copilot can help the NHS redirect hundreds of thousands of hours each month towards patient care and potentially save hundreds of millions of pounds every year,’ he said.
In September, the International Pharmaceutical Federation highlighted the potential for AI to boost efficiency, optimise medication safety and improve personalised care in pharmacy as part of a new statement of policy.
The same month, Microsoft launched its ambient voice technology tool in the UK to support consultations.
This followed the launch of a generative AI diagnostic tool in July, which Microsoft said is four times more accurate than experienced physicians and has the potential to ‘reshape healthcare’.
A letter issued earlier this year by NHS England further developed its guidance on the use of AVT and stated that ‘all NHS organisations must ensure that any AVT solutions being used meets the specified NHS standards’.
The 10-year plan outlined the ambition to expand the use of AI in healthcare, with one of its ‘five big bets’ that AI will drive productivity and patient power.
