AI Doctors: The Future of Primary Care or a Leap Too Far?

Hello readers! I don’t say this enough, but I’m absolutely tickled pink by the sheer number of you who flock here to soak up the knowledge I’ve been hoarding (in a good way, of course!). Just a little warning: reading my blog might lead to a sudden surge in your brainpower and an overwhelming urge to make the world a better place. Proceed with caution, my friends!

But enough about that, let’s get to today’s news…

So what intrigued me today is how fast we seem to be making advancements in the field of Telehealth, or telemedicine, as some of you would call it.

Tony Blair’s Institute for Global Change has proposed a controversial plan to replace traditional GP surgeries with AI-powered primary care centers. A GP surgery, also known as a general practice surgery or simply a GP practice, is a medical facility where General Practitioners (GPs) provide primary healthcare services. In these settings, GPs offer a range of services, including:

• Routine check-ups: Regular health examinations to monitor overall well-being.
• Diagnosis and treatment: Identifying and managing various illnesses and health conditions.
• Preventative care: Offering vaccinations, health screenings, and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Referrals: Recommending specialist care or further tests if necessary.

GP surgeries are often the first point of contact for patients seeking medical advice and treatment, and they play a crucial role in managing ongoing health conditions and coordinating care with other healthcare providers.

 So This plan, outlined in a leaked report, advocates for a “national AI-powered health analytics platform” that would group patients based on their healthcare needs rather than their location. This is to mean that  If you live in New York, the AI-powered health analytics platform wouldn’t categorize you based on your location but rather on your specific healthcare needs. For example, if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, the platform would categorize you based on that condition. It might group you with other patients who have similar healthcare needs, regardless of where they are located.

So, even though you live in New York, the platform would focus on the fact that you need ongoing management for diabetes and provide resources and support tailored to that need. This approach helps ensure that you receive the most relevant care and resources for your specific health condition, rather than just what’s available in your geographic area.

The report envisions a future where every UK citizen has a digital health record (DHR), feeding data into the AI platform. This platform, in turn, would power an “AI Doctor” – a Chabot with large language model (LLM) capabilities that could provide patients with personalized health advice, symptom checks, and even self-care guidance.

Blair believes these AI doctors could also assist clinicians by integrating into existing systems like 111 and GP management platforms, ultimately enhancing clinical decision-making and population health management.

However, this vision raises concerns about patient preference and accessibility. A recent GP Patient Survey conducted by the UK Government revealed that while digital services are offered, a significant majority of patients still prefer phone contact with their GP.

While the report highlights the potential benefits of AI in healthcare, it seems to overlook the reality of patient preferences. Expecting patients who haven’t even embraced existing digital services to readily interact with AI doctors via chatbots appears to be a significant leap.

The future of healthcare is undoubtedly intertwined with technology, and AI holds immense potential to revolutionize how we access and receive care. However, the proposed shift to AI-powered primary care centers raises crucial questions about patient preferences, accessibility, and the delicate balance between technological advancement and the human element in healthcare.

What are your thoughts on this proposal? Do you believe AI doctors are the future of primary care, or are there concerns that need to be addressed before such a drastic shift? Share your opinions in the comments below!