20% UK doctors regularly use AI tools like ChatGPT: Report
What's the story
A recent survey published in BMJ Health and Care Informatics, reveals that one in five General Practitioners (GPs) in the UK are incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) tools into their daily routines.
The study involved 1,006 GPs who shared their experiences with AI chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini.
These tools are being used for various tasks including drafting patient letters post-consultation.
Clinical applications
AI tools aid in documentation and diagnosis
The survey highlighted several ways in which GPs are utilizing AI tools in their clinical work.
Nearly a third of the respondents who used AI tools stated that they used them for generating documentation following patient consultations.
Additionally, 28% reported using these tools to explore alternative diagnoses, while a quarter used AI to suggest potential treatment options.
These findings underscore the growing role of AI in healthcare, particularly in administrative tasks and supporting clinical decision-making.
Privacy concerns
Concerns over accuracy and patient confidentiality
The increasing use of AI in clinical settings has raised concerns, particularly regarding accuracy and patient confidentiality.
The researchers questioned the potential risks associated with how the companies might handle the data used by generative AI tools.
They stressed upon the importance of ensuring that these technologies comply with relevant regulations and do not compromise patient privacy.
Medico-legal advisers have echoed these concerns, highlighting that while AI-generated responses are often articulate, they can sometimes contain inaccuracies or reference incorrect guidelines.