Can AI Help GPs Manage Consultations and Admin Tasks?
Securing a GP appointment remains a common struggle in the UK. When appointments do happen, doctors often face time constraints due to increasing workloads. Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a Birmingham GP partner, has found relief in AI. She uses Heidi Health, an AI-driven medical transcription tool, to handle administrative tasks. This tool listens and transcribes patient consultations, allowing her to focus fully on patients.
“Instead of writing notes, I can maintain eye contact and actively listen,” Dr. Misra-Sharp says. “It improves the consultation quality.” The tool saves her two to three minutes per consultation and reduces errors in documentation.
GP Workload and AI Solutions
GPs face growing pressure as patient numbers rise while the workforce declines. A full-time GP now serves 2,273 patients, up 17% since 2015, according to the British Medical Association (BMA). AI could be a game-changer for managing administrative burdens and mitigating burnout.
Health Education England’s 2019 report estimated AI could save one minute per patient, freeing 5.7 million GP hours annually. Oxford University research in 2020 revealed that 44% of administrative work in General Practice could be automated, allowing doctors to spend more time with patients.
Corti, a Denmark-based company, has created AI tools for healthcare consultations. These tools suggest follow-up questions, treatment options, and automate note-taking. Corti processes about 150,000 patient interactions daily across Europe and the US.
Lars Maaløe, Corti’s co-founder, explains, “Our AI offers advice based on historical data and similar cases. It’s like consulting a colleague during appointments.”
Concerns About AI in Patient Interactions
Some patients may worry about technology recording their conversations. However, Mr. Maaløe reassures, “The data stays within the system, and patients are informed.” Dr. Misra-Sharp agrees, saying, “I inform patients about the AI. No one has objected yet, but I respect their choice if they do.”
AI tools like C the Signs also help detect cancer risks. This platform analyzes symptoms, medical records, and risk factors to suggest diagnostic actions. Dr. Bea Bakshi, the platform’s co-founder, says, “It identifies risks like pancreatic cancer and recommends scans, though final decisions rest with doctors.” Their AI has conducted over 400,000 assessments, detecting over 30,000 cancers across 50 types.
Balancing AI’s Potential and Risks
AI promises to enhance healthcare but requires cautious use. The BMA’s 2023 report notes, “AI will transform healthcare by automating routine tasks, not replacing jobs.” Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, BMA General Practice Committee UK chair, warns, “AI must be safe and unbiased. It’s a tool, not a solution to today’s challenges.”
Legal expert Alison Dennis highlights the risks of unreliable AI data, emphasizing that AI tools must meet strict clinical standards. She adds, “Data security within NHS systems is vital to ensure compliance with GDPR.”
For GPs like Dr. Misra-Sharp, AI has been transformative. “It allows me to enjoy consultations again, free from constant time pressure,” she says.