- What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
- Benefits of AI
- Risks and limitations
- Professional responsibilities
- Privacy and patient information
- Regulation and AI as a medical device
- Governance and safe use
- More information
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
Artificial intelligence refers to computer systems designed to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as recognising patterns, analysing information, or generating content.
In general practice, AI is most commonly used to:
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Assist with clinical documentation (including AI scribes)
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Support clinical decision‑making
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Automate administrative and practice workflows
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Improve patient communication and engagement
AI has been used in healthcare for many years, but recent advances in generative AI have accelerated uptake across primary care.
Benefits of AI
When implemented appropriately, AI may:
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Reduce administrative workload for clinicians and staff
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Improve efficiency and consistency of clinical documentation
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Support safer, more timely decision‑making
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Enhance practice operations and reporting
The RACGP recognises the potential value of AI in primary care, provided risks are carefully managed and clinicians remain central to decision‑making. Similarly, the Australian Commission for Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) acknowledges AI can support a wide range of clinical and non-clinical tasks, and have developed a Pragmatic Guide for Clinicians to assist with managing the risks of AI in healthcare.
Risks and limitations
AI tools also introduce new risks that practices must consider, including:
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Incorrect or misleading outputs
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Over‑reliance on AI recommendations
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Embedded bias affecting clinical or administrative decisions
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Privacy, confidentiality, and data security issues
AI tools are designed to support care, not replace clinical judgement.
Clinicians remain accountable for all clinical decisions and documentation.
Professional responsibilities
Using AI does not change a practitioner’s existing professional responsibilities
Guidance from AHPRA and National Boards confirms that clinicians must:
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Understand how AI tools are used in their practice
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Recognise the limitations and risks of AI outputs
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Validate information before relying on it in patient care
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Use AI in a way that aligns with professional standards and patient safety
Practitioners must gain consent from patients before using AI in clinical consultations.
Privacy and patient information
Health information is considered sensitive information under Australian privacy law. Privacy obligations apply to:
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Information entered into AI systems
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Information generated by AI tools
The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner advises caution using AI tools as patient information may be stored offshore or used in ways that breach privacy obligations.
Practices should:
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Understand how AI vendors handle and store data
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Ensure patient information is protected
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Update privacy policies and notices where required
Regulation and AI as a medical device
Some AI tools used in healthcare are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) as medical devices, particularly when they are used to diagnose, predict, monitor, or treat disease.
Recent guidance highlights that certain AI‑enabled tools, including some digital scribes, may meet the definition of a medical device and require inclusion on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods.
Practices should confirm with vendors whether AI tools are regulated and compliant before use.
Governance and safe use
Safe use of AI in general practice is supported by clear governance and oversight.
Good practice includes:
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Assessing the intended purpose and evidence base of AI tools
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Establishing documented processes for AI use
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Training staff in safe and appropriate use
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Monitoring performance, accuracy, and unintended impacts
Even small practices benefit from clear policies that define how AI is selected, used, and reviewed.
More information
Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC)
Australian Council on Healthcare Standards
Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA)
Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)