According to a report from the Guardian, nearly 30% of general practitioners in the UK are incorporating AI tools like ChatGPT into patient consultations, despite the potential for errors and legal repercussions. The study by the Nuffield Trust think tank reveals that the rapid integration of AI is occurring without proper regulation, leaving GPs unsure about the safety of the tools they are using. This insight is based on a survey conducted by the Royal College of GPs involving 2,108 family doctors and feedback from GP focus groups. Government officials are optimistic that AI could help reduce wait times for patients seeking GP appointments.

The research indicates a growing trend among GPs to utilize AI for generating appointment summaries, aiding in patient diagnosis, and handling routine administrative duties. Out of the 2,108 surveyed doctors, 28% (598) confirmed their current use of AI technology. The data also shows that a higher percentage of male GPs (33%) have adopted AI compared to their female counterparts (25%), with a greater uptake observed in affluent areas than in less privileged communities. The expansion of AI into broader usage is rapidly progressing.

Despite its increasing popularity, many GPs express concerns about potential legal and clinical ramifications associated with adopting AI tools, such as professional liability, medical errors, patient confidentiality breaches, and data security risks. Furthermore, the report highlights that GPs are more inclined to use time saved by AI for personal well-being and reducing work-related stress rather than accommodating more patient appointments as anticipated by policymakers.