There has been rapid uptake of AI-scribes by primary care providers in Aotearoa New Zealand. We undertook an on-line anonymous survey of people working in primary care (February-March 2024) to better understand their hopes, concerns and experience of AI-scribes. Unlike pharmaceuticals, most AI-scribes will not have been through rigorous testing or regulatory approval processes. It is therefore important to capture providers’ experience in real-world clinical settings.
A total of 197 respondents completed the survey, 88% (N=164) of whom were GPs. Of these, 40% (N=70) reported experience using AI-scribes. Key perceived benefits included reduced multitasking (N=46), time savings (N=43), and improved rapport with patients (N=43). However, participants also raised significant concerns, including legal and ethical compliance (N=108), data security (N=98), errors or omissions (N=93), and concerns about data being stored offshore (N=91). 80% (N=50) found AI-scribes helpful or very helpful, and 56% (N=35) noted changes to the consultation dynamic. This presentation provides an important snapshot of the use of AI-scribes in primary care in Aotearoa New Zealand. The presentation will reflect on emerging provider experiences, perceived clinical benefits and concerns, and flag potential ethical and legal issues to inform future research and policy development. The discussion will focus on ethical issues of accountability, patient autonomy and therapeutic relationships in light of our findings regarding lack of informed consent, failure to read T&C, changes in the nature of clinicians' consultation behaviour. Our findings highlight the need for clearer guidance and regulatory oversight to support safe, ethical, and legal use in clinical practice.