AI scribes have benefits for GP care but must be used cautiously

Artificial Intelligence (AI) scribes can help reduce the administrative task burden for GPs, but they can’t replace the work of a doctor and must be used with caution, says Australia’s peak body for general practitioners.  

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has released new guidance for GPs on using AI scribes. 

RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins said AI scribes can help GPs and their patients.  

“AI scribes could reduce the administrative burden for GPs which contributes significantly to burnout, and improve patient satisfaction, but they do need to be used with caution,” she said. 

“The administrative burden on GPs needs to be reduced urgently – our annual Health of the Nation report found GPs are increasingly reporting the administrative workload and associated stress among their greatest concerns.   

“Where AI scribes can help is in automating parts of clinical note taking. For example, they can convert conversations into notes, which can be incorporated into health records, and given to patients to help them remember and follow the advice. 

“These tools will also allow GPs to focus on the patient instead of their computer during a consult, meaning happier patients. 

“However, AI scribes need to be used with caution as it is an emerging technology and there are risks. 

“Patients must be informed and provide consent for them to be used during a consultation. And GPs need to ensure the tool they use is compliant with Australian laws for safe data collection and storage. 

“It’s important to understand AI scribes cannot replace the work GPs do to prepare clinical documentation, and doctors must carefully check their output for accuracy, as they can make mistakes.  

“Everyone deserves the quality care that comes from having a GP who knows you, and your health history – AI can never replace this relationship. But it can help with administrative tasks, and this will help GPs focus more on our patients, which is what we want.”