Should AI play a greater role in easing the workload of GPs in consultations and administration?
In the UK, getting a GP appointment remains a common challenge. Once secured, the growing workload of doctors often leads to shorter consultations than ideal.
Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a GP partner in Birmingham, found AI to be a significant help in reducing administrative burdens. She began using Heidi Health, a free AI transcription tool that listens and transcribes patient consultations, about four months ago. According to her, this tool allows her to focus entirely on the patient, creating a better experience.
“Previously, I spent time taking notes during consultations, which distracted from patient interaction,” she explains. “Now, I can fully engage with the patient, leading to more meaningful consultations.” She estimates saving “two to three minutes per consultation” while reducing errors in medical notes.
Rising Demand and AI Solutions
With the number of patients per GP rising, the pressure on healthcare providers has intensified. The British Medical Association (BMA) reports that each full-time GP now serves 2,273 patients, a 17% increase since 2015. AI might be a practical solution to alleviate this burden.
Studies back this idea. A 2019 Health Education England report suggested AI could save one minute per patient, adding up to 5.7 million hours annually. Oxford University research from 2020 found that 44% of administrative tasks in general practice could be automated.
Companies like Denmark’s Corti have developed AI systems capable of listening to consultations, suggesting questions, offering treatment options, and automating notes. Corti’s technology processes about 150,000 interactions daily, helping doctors focus on patient care.
“The goal is to allow doctors to dedicate more time to patients,” says Lars Maaløe, Corti’s co-founder. Corti’s AI suggests questions based on prior healthcare conversations, acting as a virtual colleague for overworked GPs.
AI tools like C the Signs also analyze patient records to detect cancer risk factors, aiding early diagnosis. Its CEO, Dr. Bea Bakshi, highlights that their platform has performed over 400,000 cancer risk assessments, identifying more than 30,000 cases across 50 cancer types.
Challenges and Safeguards in AI Adoption
Despite its benefits, AI in healthcare raises questions about patient privacy and potential errors. Lars Maaløe assures that Corti’s data remains secure and patients can opt out of AI-assisted consultations.
Dr. Misra-Sharp emphasizes transparency with patients about using AI tools, adding that most patients have no objections.
However, experts caution against overreliance on AI. Alison Dennis, co-head of Taylor Wessing’s life sciences team, stresses the importance of using validated AI tools based on reliable data.
The BMA’s Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer acknowledges AI’s transformative potential but warns of risks like bias and patient privacy concerns. AI, she says, should supplement rather than replace healthcare professionals.
For GPs like Dr. Misra-Sharp, AI has been transformative. “It’s helped me enjoy my consultations again, free from the constant time pressures,” she concludes.
