G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff
G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation
The increasing demand for healthcare services has placed immense pressure on General Practitioners (GPs) across the UK, leading to shorter consultations and growing administrative burdens. However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare practices is offering a promising solution to help GPs manage their workloads more efficiently while improving the quality of patient care. By automating time-consuming tasks like note-taking and data analysis, AI is transforming the way GPs approach their daily responsibilities and interact with patients.
One such example is Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a GP partner in Birmingham, who has adopted AI technology to streamline her administrative tasks. She uses Heidi Health, an AI-assisted medical transcription tool, during patient consultations. The AI listens to the conversation and transcribes notes in real-time, allowing Dr. Misra-Sharp to focus entirely on the patient without the distraction of writing notes. According to her, this tool has significantly improved the consultation experience by reducing the time spent on documentation and minimizing errors in medical records. She estimates that it saves her at least two to three minutes per patient, which accumulates to a substantial time-saving over the course of a day.
The rising workload on GPs is a significant concern. According to the British Medical Association (BMA), a single full-time GP is now responsible for over 2,200 patients, a 17% increase since 2015. This surge in demand has led to concerns about GP burnout and compromised patient care. AI tools like Heidi Health aim to alleviate this burden by automating routine tasks and freeing up GPs to spend more time engaging with their patients. Research by Health Education England in 2019 suggested that even a one-minute reduction in administrative tasks per patient could save 5.7 million hours of GP time annually, highlighting the transformative potential of AI in healthcare.
AI applications are not limited to transcription tools. Danish company Corti has developed an AI system that can listen to healthcare consultations and offer follow-up questions, prompts, and treatment recommendations. Corti’s technology processes approximately 150,000 patient interactions daily across Europe and the US. According to co-founder Lars Maaløe, the AI acts as a virtual assistant, providing advice based on historical conversations and patient data. For instance, if a patient previously reported knee pain, the AI might prompt the doctor to inquire whether the issue persists. This functionality not only improves the accuracy of consultations but also helps GPs avoid missing critical information.
In England, around 1,400 GP practices are using another AI platform called C the Signs. This tool analyzes patients’ medical records to identify potential cancer symptoms and recommend further action. Developed by Dr. Bea Bakshi, C the Signs leverages published medical research to assist GPs in recognizing early cancer risk factors. The platform has already conducted over 400,000 cancer risk assessments, detecting more than 30,000 cancer cases across various types. By providing real-time insights, the AI tool supports GPs in making more informed decisions and ensuring timely referrals for patients with suspected cancer.
Despite the benefits, there are concerns about the limitations of AI in healthcare. The BMA has emphasized that AI should complement, not replace, human healthcare professionals. There are potential risks associated with AI, such as bias, errors, and patient privacy concerns. Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the BMA's General Practice Committee UK, stresses the importance of implementing AI safely to avoid harm. She acknowledges that AI can enhance productivity and improve consistency in patient care but warns that it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
While AI is not a silver bullet, it is undeniably reshaping the healthcare landscape. By reducing the administrative burden on GPs, AI allows doctors to focus more on patient interactions, leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction for both patients and healthcare professionals. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in healthcare is expected to grow, making consultations more efficient and enabling GPs to provide more personalized care.
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