Obtaining Patient Consent for AI-Assisted Documentation
AI-assisted documentation is new for many clinicians and patients. This page provides practical guidance on having the consent conversation clearly and in line with Australian Privacy obligations.
maeda is developing a built-in consent acknowledgement feature. In the meantime, this guidance covers verbal and written approaches you can use today.
Why Consent Matters
Patients have a right to know when AI tools are involved in documenting their care. Transparency is fundamental to the doctor-patient relationship.
Under Australian Privacy Principle 5 (APP 5), individuals must be notified about the collection of their personal information, including how it will be used and stored.
In practice, most clinicians find that patients are comfortable with AI-assisted documentation once the purpose and safeguards are explained. Transparency builds trust.
Recommended Verbal Script
You may adapt this at the start of each consultation:
"Today I'll be using an AI documentation tool to help me write up my notes from our consultation. The tool records our conversation, converts it to text, and helps me structure my clinical notes. The audio is not stored, and only the text notes are kept, securely in Australia. Do you have any questions about that, or would you prefer I take notes manually?"
Adapt this to suit your practice style and the patient's context.
Key Points to Cover with Patients
- 1
What is being recorded
The audio of the consultation is captured temporarily for transcription purposes only.
- 2
Audio is not stored
After transcription, the audio is immediately destroyed. Only text notes are retained.
- 3
Where data is held
All data is stored in Australia. It does not leave the country.
- 4
Who can access the notes
Only the clinician and authorised members of their practice can access the notes.
- 5
The right to decline
Patients may decline AI-assisted documentation at any time. Manual note-taking remains available.
- 6
AI is a tool, not a decision-maker
The clinician reviews and approves all notes before they are saved.
Consent FAQ
- Is verbal consent sufficient?
- For most GP and specialist settings, verbal consent at the start of the consultation is sufficient. For sensitive consultations (mental health, sexual health), consider documenting consent in the patient record.
- Do I need written consent?
- Generally no, unless your clinic policy or the consultation sensitivity warrants it. We recommend noting that verbal consent was given.
- What if a patient declines?
- Respect the preference. Turn off the recording and take notes manually. This is always available.
- Can patients withdraw consent mid-consultation?
- Yes. Stop the recording immediately. Review any notes already generated from the transcript up to that point.
- Does consent need to be renewed each visit?
- This depends on your practice approach. Many clinics obtain consent once at the first visit and note it in the record.
- What about patients who cannot give informed consent?
- Follow your standard clinical consent processes. A guardian or substitute decision-maker may need to provide consent.
Built-In Consent Feature (Coming Soon)
We are developing a built-in consent workflow that allows patients to acknowledge AI-assisted documentation before the consultation begins. This will be available in a future release.
Interested in shaping this feature? Email us at admin@maedahealth.com.
For questions about consent in your specific context, consult your medical indemnity insurer or a healthcare privacy lawyer. For platform questions, contact admin@maedahealth.com.