A new Australian study will examine how AI scribes, clinical decision support tools and AI assistants affect GP workload, wellbeing and clinical decision-making, following the award of a $35,000 research grant from Best Practice Software.
The study, led by UNSW Sydney senior lecturer and GP Dr Michael Tran, will investigate how AI technologies influence cognitive load, professional confidence and the day-to-day experience of general practice.
The funding has been awarded through the inaugural Digital Resilience Grant, established by Best Practice in partnership with the Australian General Practice Research Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
The project, Digital Resilience in Australian General Practice: How AI Tools Shape GP Cognitive Load, Wellbeing, and Professional Confidence, will involve a four-week observation period with participating GPs.
Researchers will examine how AI tools affect administrative workload, clinical confidence and decision-making, with the aim of identifying factors that support workforce wellbeing as digital technologies become more widely used in general practice.
RACGP head of foundation and research Dr Taryn Elliott said evidence was needed to understand the effects of AI adoption on clinicians.
“Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday general practice. While these technologies offer significant opportunities to support GPs and improve efficiency, we must also understand their impact on wellbeing, professional confidence and clinical decision-making,” Dr Elliott said.
“Through our partnership with Best Practice, we are proud to support research that will help ensure innovation strengthens both the general practice workforce and patient care.”
Best Practice chief executive Craig Hodges said the grant represented the company’s first investment in GP-led research.
“Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to reduce administrative burden and support high-quality patient care. Through our partnership with The Australian General Practice Research Foundation, we are investing in evidence that will help ensure AI strengthens the general practice workforce and improves outcomes for patients,” Mr Hodges said.
The findings are expected to inform future guidance on AI use in general practice and provide evidence for digital health organisations and Primary Health Networks developing and implementing technologies for GPs.
The Digital Resilience Grant supports research into GP wellbeing, workforce sustainability and retention, with a particular focus on how digital systems affect clinical practice.
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