Primary care faces significant challenges globally, including workforce shortages, clinician burnout, and increased healthcare complexity, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. AI has emerged as a potential solution, offering tools for summarizing consultations, automating tasks, and aiding decision-making. In the UK, 20% of GPs reported using generative AI in 2024, while in Australia, usage is estimated at 40%. However, studies mainly rely on simulations, leaving gaps in understanding AI’s effectiveness, safety, and equity. Associate Professor Laranjo warns that without reliable Australian data, patient safety may be compromised. Although AI tools can enhance efficiency and job satisfaction for GPs, they risk introducing biases and overlooking critical patient details. Moreover, AI-driven symptom checkers and health apps provide convenience but often lack accuracy and independent evaluations, raising concerns about ensuring patient safety. Overall, while generative models like ChatGPT are promising, they can produce factually incorrect information, posing risks to both patients and healthcare providers.
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