RFDS in Queensland is trailing an AI clinical scribe
Royal Flying Doctor Service (Queensland Section) is conducting a pilot program of an artificial intelligence (AI) clinical scribe called Heidi.
Heidi helps clinicians by creating draft clinical notes during consultations. This allows clinicians to spend more time focusing on patients and less time typing notes.
The pilot will help us understand how this technology may support clinical documentation and improve the consultation experience for both patients and clinicians.
How does Heidi work?
During your consultation, your clinician may choose to use Heidi to assist with documenting the discussion.
Heidi listens to the conversation and creates a draft clinical note. Your clinician will then:
- Review the draft note
- Make any required changes
- Confirm the information is accurate
- Approve the final note before it becomes part of your health record
Heidi does not make clinical decisions or provide clinical advice.
We want to assure you that your clinician still remains responsible for your care, decisions and documentation at all times.
Your choice
Participation in the pilot program is completely voluntary.
Before using Heidi, your clinician will let you know and give you the opportunity to ask questions.
You can choose not to have Heidi used during your consultation. Your decision will not affect the care or services you receive from RFDS (Queensland Section) in any way.
How is my information protected?
Protecting your privacy is important to us.
RFDS (Queensland Section) has assessed the use of Heidi as part of this trial and has implemented appropriate privacy, security and governance controls.
Information collected during your consultation is handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws and RFDS (Queensland Section) policies.
Only information required for clinical documentation is used, and clinicians remain responsible for ensuring the information recorded in your health record is accurate.
Benefits of the pilot program
We are exploring whether Heidi can help:
- Reduce clinician administration time
- Improve the efficiency of clinical documentation
- Allow clinicians to spend more time engaging with patients
- Support more complete and timely clinical records
Your questions answered
Will a recording of my consultation be kept?
No, a transcript of the consultation is kept for 45 days then deleted automatically. It is kept for 45 days to allow your doctor time to review the record and complete any additional paperwork after you have left e.g. referral letters. Heidi is used to assist with creating draft clinical notes. If you would like more information about how information is processed during the trial, please speak with your clinician.
Can I say no?
Yes. Your participation is voluntary, and you may choose not to have Heidi used during your consultation.
Does AI make decisions about my care?
No, Heidi only assists with drafting clinical notes. Your clinician remains responsible for all clinical decisions, documentation and patient care.
Will my care be affected if I opt out?
No. Choosing not to participate will not affect the care or services you receive from RFDS Queensland.
Questions or concerns?
If you would like more information about how your information is handled, or how to access our Privacy Policy, please:
- Speak with your clinician
- Read our Privacy Policy
