Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept in medicine — it's here, and it's already changing how GPs work. As a practising NHS GP who has been experimenting with AI tools in my own consultations, I want to give you an honest, balanced assessment of what's genuinely useful, what's overhyped, and what the future looks like.
The Admin Burden: Why GPs Are Burning Out
General practitioners in the UK spend an estimated 40–60% of their working time on administrative tasks — writing notes, coding consultations, drafting referral letters, and updating patient records. This leaves significantly less time for the thing we trained to do: actually helping patients. The administrative burden is one of the leading causes of GP burnout, with survey after survey showing that paperwork — not patient care — is what drives doctors out of the profession.
💡 GP Tip: If you're a GP struggling with admin, you're not alone. The BMA estimates that the average GP consultation generates 8–12 minutes of documentation work.
AI Clinical Scribes: The Game Changer
AI clinical scribes are perhaps the most immediately impactful AI tool in general practice right now. These tools listen to doctor-patient conversations (with consent) and automatically generate clinical notes, codes, and even referral letters. The best ones integrate directly with clinical systems and can save 1–2 hours per day in documentation time. Having tested several options, the quality of AI-generated notes has reached a point where they're genuinely useful — often requiring only minor edits before being finalised.
💡 GP Tip: I've been using AI scribes in my own practice, and the time savings are real. The key is finding one that integrates well with your clinical system and produces notes in your preferred style.
AI-Assisted Diagnostics
AI is increasingly being used to support diagnostic decision-making. From analysing dermatology images to interpreting ECGs and chest X-rays, AI diagnostic tools are showing impressive accuracy in clinical trials. In primary care, AI-powered symptom checkers and triage tools are helping to prioritise urgent cases and reduce unnecessary appointments. However, it's important to note that these tools are designed to augment — not replace — clinical judgement.
💡 GP Tip: AI diagnostics work best as a 'second pair of eyes' rather than a replacement for clinical assessment. Always apply your own clinical reasoning alongside AI recommendations.
What AI Cannot Replace
For all its promise, there are aspects of general practice that AI simply cannot replicate. Clinical judgement — the ability to weigh up complex, often contradictory information and make a decision in real-time — remains firmly in the human domain. Empathy, the therapeutic relationship, and the ability to read non-verbal cues during a consultation are irreplaceable. Physical examination — listening to a chest, palpating an abdomen, examining a rash in person — cannot be done by an algorithm. AI is a powerful tool, but it's just that: a tool.
💡 GP Tip: The best GPs of the future won't be those who resist AI, but those who learn to use it effectively while maintaining their core clinical skills.
The Future of AI in NHS Primary Care
The NHS is cautiously embracing AI, with several pilot programmes running across England. NHSX (now part of NHS England's Transformation Directorate) has funded AI projects in primary care, and there's growing policy support for AI adoption. However, challenges remain: data governance, patient consent, integration with legacy systems, and ensuring equitable access. The pace of change is accelerating, and GPs who engage with AI now will be best positioned for the future of primary care.
💡 GP Tip: Keep an eye on NHS England's AI guidance documents and consider joining an AI in primary care interest group — the RCGP has one, and there are several active communities online.
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A GP's Recommendations
If you're a GP or healthcare professional looking to integrate AI into your practice, here's my advice:
- 1.Start with an AI scribe — it's the lowest-risk, highest-reward AI tool available right now.
- 2.Be transparent with patients — always inform them when AI is being used in their consultation.
- 3.Always review AI output — never accept AI-generated notes or recommendations without clinical review.
- 4.Stay curious — the technology is evolving rapidly. What doesn't work today may work brilliantly in six months.
Dr. Ohioma Akhibi
GP · GP Trainer · GP Specialist Advisor CQC
Dr. Akhibi is a practising NHS GP with over 15 years of clinical experience. He specialises in long-term condition management and founded MyVirtualMedic to provide trusted, evidence-based health guidance.