AVID – Ambient Voice Technology Innovation and Development - is a dedicated online space for NHS staff, policymakers, and other non-commercial stakeholders to collaborate, share insights, and guide the implementation and evaluation of AVT across the NHS. The community offers a practical, intuitive environment for learning and connection on this rapidly evolving technology.

The idea for AVID was born from NHS England's Guidance on the use of AI-enabled ambient scribing products, published in April 2025, which called for a national community of practice to support shared learning and best practice. AVID was developed by THIS Institute, University of Cambridge, in partnership with the Health Foundation and was shaped in collaboration with NHS England.

Mary Dixon-Woods, director of THIS Institute, said: ‘As pressures grow to see more patients and manage administrative workloads, ambient voice technology is emerging as a potential solution. It's important that these technologies are implemented thoughtfully, evaluated rigorously, and used to improve both patient care and clinician experience.'

One of AVID's first initiatives is to support a single trust as it introduces AVT into its clinics. The pilot seeks real-time staff engagement, feedback, and assessment of what works, what doesn't and why. The intention is that the methods will, subject to testing, be made available to others to support high-quality local evaluation.

Hugh Alderwick, director of policy and research at The Health Foundation, said: ‘AVID is a powerful example of how digital platforms can support implementation and testing of innovation in healthcare. By bringing people across the NHS together, sharing good practice and facilitating evaluation, we can ensure that new technologies like AVT have a sound evidence base and truly benefit patients and clinicians.'