AI in PrimaryCare Survey Highlights Growing Uptake and Call for Safe Use Practices

SECTOR UPDATE - Collaborative Aotearoa 

The Collaborative Aotearoa AI in Primary Care Working Group has released findings from its Phase 3 national survey, offering the clearest view yet of how artificial intelligence (AI) tools are being used across New Zealand’s primary healthcare sector.

The results confirm what many in the sector already know: AI is no longer a future consideration it is already well embedded in everyday general practice. With this shift comes a responsibility to ensure governance, training, and equity remain at the forefront of adoption.

Conducted in August 2025, the survey captured responses from 87 participants across a range of roles, including general practitioners, nurses, practice managers, allied health professionals, and clinical pharmacists. General practitioners made up the largest group of current AI users (64%).

Almost half of respondents (48%) reported using AI tools daily, an 8% increase from the previous survey. The most common applications were administrative and communication automation, alongside clinical transcription and documentation, with 52% reporting use of a free transcription tool. While these tools provide immediate efficiencies, reliance on free AI scribes carries risks around data privacy, patient confidentiality, and the accuracy of clinical records.

Kalolo Haufano, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Hendrix Health, emphasised the importance of caution:

“Free AI tools might seem convenient, but without safeguards they risk compromising patient privacy and the accuracy of records. Any adoption must prioritise privacy, clinical and cultural safety, and above all, maintain the trust of whānau.”

Although still emerging, uptake of AI-powered diagnostics and virtual assistants indicates innovation is now moving beyond back-office functions. One survey participant shared that, alongside using ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Heidi Health, they also used Open Evidence to search academic journals to answer queries patients have regarding their diseases.

Survey participants were experienced practitioners, with more than a third (36%) having over 20 years in primary care. This demonstrates that AI adoption is not limited to early-career clinicians but is increasingly being embraced across a seasoned workforce.

When asked what is needed to support safe and effective AI use, respondents pointed to key areas for improvement: clear policies and audits, staff training, and consistent processes for patient consent. While intent around governance and consent is strong, the findings show an urgent need for workforce development and sector-wide policy frameworks.

Jess Morgan-French, CEO of Collaborative Aotearoa and member of the AI in PrimaryCare Working Group, said collaboration will be critical:

“AI has the potential to ease pressure in general practice and improve patient care, but safe adoption requires a whole-of-sector approach. We need strong governance, clear policy, and equitable access so that all whānau benefit.”

The full survey infographic is available alongside today’s release, providing a visual snapshot of adoption trends, technologies in use, and safe practice measures.

Source: Collaborative Aotearoa media release

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