Publish date: 23 June 2025
Colleagues from across Mersey Care gathered on Friday 13 June for a day of innovation and collaboration at NHS Informatics Merseyside’s (IM) first ever Copilot Prompt-a-thon - an exciting event dedicated to exploring the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare.
Hosted in partnership with Microsoft, the session brought together staff currently piloting Microsoft Copilot to learn the art of effective prompting. The goal? To share ideas, best practices and experiences on how AI could help streamline everyday tasks, boost productivity, and support smarter working - one prompt at a time.
The day began with a warm welcome from Team IM, setting the tone for an inspiring and interactive session. Microsoft then introduced the concept of prompt engineering, guiding participants through the 'Art of the Prompt' using the GCSE framework - Goal, Context, Source, Expectations - to help shape clear, purposeful prompts that deliver meaningful results.
With prompting principles in hand, colleagues formed role based teams and tackled challenges from their day to day work. Whether drafting documents, summarising meetings, analysing content or supporting decision making, teams explored practical ways AI could make a difference. The focus was on creating prompts that delivered real solutions, improved efficiency, or unlocked new ways of working.
As the session unfolded, the room buzzed with creativity and collaboration, supported by IM facilitators and Microsoft representatives. The day culminated in team presentations and the crowning of the first ever Prompt-a-thon Champion - awarded to the most innovative and well-developed Copilot use case.
This dynamic and empowering event is part of a wider Trust pilot exploring how Microsoft Copilot can support colleagues in their daily roles, freeing up time to focus on what matters most - delivering safe, timely and effective care.
