Survey shows AI is already reshaping primary and community care

SECTOR UPDATE - Collaborative Aotearoa 

A new Collaborative Aotearoa survey shows artificial intelligence (AI) 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 Aotearoa. Almost half of respondents reported using AI daily, and more than two-thirds reported using AI 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.

“AI is 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,” says CEO and rōpū chair Jess Morgan-French.

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.

Awareness of existing national endorsement processes remains low. Many respondents said 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).

Collaborative Aotearoa CEO says the findings reinforce 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,” says CEO, Jess Morgan-French

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.

Source: Collaborative Aotearoa media release

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