AI ‘moving quickly’ into primary and community care – survey

A new Collaborative Aotearoa survey shows artificial intelligence is already being used across primary and community care, with health professionals calling for clearer national guidance, endorsement processes and practical support to ensure AI is used safely.

The AI in Primary and Community Care Survey (Phase 4) received 47 responses from across the country, with almost half of respondents reporting using AI daily and more than two-thirds using it daily or weekly in their work. 

The most common uses were clinical documentation and transcription, followed by administration and communication support, clinical decision support and data analysis or reporting.

Collaborative Aotearoa CEO and rōpū chair Jess Morgan-French said AI was moving quickly into primary and community care, “particularly through tools that support clinical notes, transcription, inbox management, clinical decision support and administration.”

“These tools have real potential to reduce workload and free up health professionals to spend more time with patients and whānau.”

The survey found strong support for a nationally coordinated approach to assessing or endorsing AI tools. 

Of those who answered the question, almost all supported some form of national endorsement to confirm the safety and effectiveness of AI tools used in healthcare.

Meanwhile, awareness of existing national endorsement processes remained low, with many respondents saying they were unsure whether the AI tools they use had been endorsed – or were not aware of endorsement pathways such as the National AI and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group (NAIAEAG).

Ms Morgan-French said the findings reinforced the need for a nationally consistent approach that supports innovation while protecting patients, whānau, clinicians and practices.

“AI has the potential to help primary and community care respond to increasing demand, workforce pressure and administrative burden. But it must be introduced in ways that are safe, equitable, clinically useful and grounded in trust,” Ms Jess Morgan-French said.

“AI is already here. The question now is, how we as a sector, make sure AI works for patients, whānau, clinicians, practices and the wider health system.”