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09:40 BST, September 19, 2024A recent survey conducted by researchers at Uppsala University in Sweden has uncovered that a notable portion of general practitioners (GPs) in the UK are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT into their daily clinical routines.
This development highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence in healthcare, presenting both exciting possibilities for improving patient care and raising concerns about ethical and safety issues.
The researchers wrote about their study and findings in the peer-reviewed academic journal BMJ Health & Care Informatics (citation below).
Doctors Deriving Value from AI Chatbots
Dr. Charlotte Blease, an Associate Professor at Uppsala University and the lead researcher of the study, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating:
“While there is much talk about the hype of AI, our study suggests that the use of AI in healthcare is not just on the horizon – it’s happening now. Doctors are deriving value from these tools.”
“The medical community must act swiftly to address the ethical and practical challenges for patients that generative AI brings.”
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ChatGPT the Most Popular AI Chatbot
The study, which was carried out in collaboration with Harvard Medical School and the University of Basel in Switzerland, surveyed 1,006 GPs from across the UK.
The research team discovered that 20% of these doctors reported using AI-driven tools in their practices, with ChatGPT being the most commonly adopted.
This study represents the most thorough investigation of the use of generative AI in healthcare since the launch of ChatGPT in November 2022.
AI Chatbots Help Reduce GPs’ Workload
The findings show that AI-powered chatbots are particularly helpful in reducing the workload of GPs.
For example, 29% of those using AI tools employed them to create documentation after patient consultations, and 28% used AI assistance for differential diagnosis.
Some Concerns
Despite these benefits, there are still notable concerns about the risks associated with AI in healthcare. Issues such as AI-generated errors, the potential for bias, and threats to patient privacy remain significant challenges.
Dr. Blease acknowledged these concerns, noting the urgency for action:
“This study underscores the growing reliance on AI tools by UK GPs, despite the lack of formal training and guidance and the potential risks involved.”
“As the healthcare sector and regulatory authorities continue to grapple with these challenges, the need to train doctors to be 21st-century physicians is more pressing than ever.”
The research, conducted in February 2024 as part of a monthly survey of GPs registered with Doctors.net.uk, sheds light on how AI tools are already playing a vital role in UK healthcare, but also highlights the necessity of developing robust guidelines and training for doctors to safely use these technologies.
The Research Council on Health, Working Life and Welfare and the University of Basel supported the study.
Citation
Blease CR, Locher C, Gaab J, Hägglund M, Mandl KD. Generative artificial intelligence in primary care: an online survey of UK general practitioners. BMJ Health & Care Informatics. 2024;31. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjhci-2024-101102