Artificial intelligence in primary care: a plausible prospect or distant delusion?

Abstract

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) offers an innovative means of changing primary care, yet the impressions of primary care professionals (PCPs) on this potentially revolutionary resource remains unclear.

Aim: To determine PCPs' understanding of AI in primary care.

Method: A cross-sectional study was performed analysing the impressions of various PCPs on the role and perceived benefits of AI in primary care. A questionnaire was developed, assessing perceptions towards AI and responder demographics. This was delivered as a survey on Qualtrics software, among different PCPs including trainees and medical students. Responses were collected over 7 days and subsequently analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results: Among the 60 responses collected, only 10.00% currently use AI in clinical practice. Obstacles impeding AI use include '[being] unsure of current options', having 'almost no guidance on this', and patient technological inexperience particularly among primary care practices in deprived areas. Overall, 35.59% felt unconfident in their knowledge of AI and 54.39% were uncertain of the current/prospective benefits of AI. Despite these uncertainties, 53.45% of responders anticipate the incorporation of AI into primary care practice within the next 5 years.

Conclusion: Many PCPs feel unconfident in their knowledge of AI - irrespective of responder demographics - with over half of responders being unsure of AI's potential benefits within primary care. Barriers to acceptance of AI include PCP and patient factors. Yet, with most responders anticipating the incorporation of AI into primary care practice soon, an imminent need to increase awareness and guidance regarding the applications of AI in primary care is evident.