Seven Opportunities for Artificial Intelligence in Primary Care Electronic Visits: Qualitative Study of Staff and Patient Views (2025) 10.1370/afm.240292
How can artificial intelligence actually help primary care without overwhelming staff? In this study we move past the hype, interviewing both patients and GPs to identify seven key opportunities for integrating AI into online consultations (or 'electronic visits' as they're also known). The findings focus on practical benefits, such as automating workflow, prioritising urgent requests, and assisting clinicians with routine responses. It highlights user acceptance, provided clinicians retain final oversight. This is essential reading for anyone developing or implementing the next generation of primary care technology.
Patient experiences of an online consultation system: a qualitative study in English primary care post-COVID-19 (2024) 10.3399/BJGP.2023.0076
Since 2020, online consultation systems (OCS) have transformed UK primary care, but how do patients truly feel about this shift? We analysed thousands of patient comments and interviews to find out. It moves beyond simple metrics to explore the benefits patients value (like efficiency) alongside the significant frustrations caused by practice implementation. This is essential reading for any GP practice, offering crucial insights into why patient experiences vary so widely and how service design can be improved.
Understanding How the Design and Implementation of Online Consultations Affect Primary Care Quality: Systematic Review of Evidence With Recommendations for Designers, Providers, and Researchers (2022) 10.2196/37436
Online consultations (OCs) have expanded rapidly, but how do they truly impact primary care quality? We reviewed the the evidence from 63 studies around the world, revealing that while OCs boost patient access, they can increase staff workload. Crucially, the research identifies how specific system designs (like free-text entry) and better workflow integration can mitigate these drawbacks. This is essential reading for healthcare providers, service designers, and researchers looking to successfully optimise digital primary care services.