Code Meets Care: Integration of AI and automation in General Practice

Amid recent political shifts and bold plans for primary care, there is increasing buzz around AI in health and care. However, it can be hard to assess the safety and effectiveness of the many innovations in this area. The regulatory environment is unclear and lags behind the market, as do the procurement frameworks. Primary care practitioners are busy on the frontline trying to address increased demand, workforce challenges and handling the ‘8 am rush’. As a result, they don’t have the time to assess which tools are right for their practice or how they can practically implement them. This is something we want to change.

Our recent roundtable on AI and automation in primary care explored what primary care needs from NHSE and ICBs (the system) and innovators to optimise the use of AI and automation. Hosted at the Health Foundation earlier this summer, we brought together a broad range of leads from integrated care systems (ICSs), primary care networks (PCNs), GP practices, National Health Service England (NHSE) and regional health innovation teams, together with chief clinical information offices (CCIOs), transformation leads and innovators.

Our discussions focused on three areas:

• Understanding the innovators in this space and what they can offer
• Sharing learnings from practices that are using AI for triage in primary care
• Exploring the system capacity for AI and automation adoption

Dr Hatim Abdulhussein, CEO of Health Innovation KSS said: “AI and Automation are sometimes hailed as a magic bullet for health and social care, but we know there are real challenges to adoption. Our roundtable brought diverse stakeholders together to learn about emerging technologies and facilitated discussions on overcoming barriers to implementation. As a GP myself, I am really excited by the potential of these new technologies, but we need to take collective action on how AI can best help us to address challenges in primary care.”

New technologies and their implementation

Clinical workload is one of the most pressing challenges to solve in primary care. AI can be used to triage patients and in turn, reduce workload. Attendees at the roundtable heard from innovators who are evaluating their smart triage products with Health Innovation KSS. Current benefits include a move to 15 minute GP appointments, reducing the 8am phone rush, improved assessment of urgency, among other benefits. However, implementation of these solutions requires a dedicated resource to lead on change management, staff training, patient communication, IG compliance and pathway changes before the full benefits are realised.

During the event, other innovators showcased products including automation of lab results and registrations, appointment scheduling to support those with health inequalities and reduce DNAs, a clinical operating system that improves both access to care and the efficacy of the care plan, and ambient AI for consultation recording.

Following presentations from innovators, attendees addressed system capacity for adopting AI and automation, using a framework adapted from Jess Morley’s work. Thematic discussions focused on five key areas.

Attendees who joined the roundtable reported that they found the event really beneficial with an overall rating of 4.5/5 across all attendees.

Natasha Darby Head of Digital Primary Care, NHS Sussex ICB said:  “I came out feeling more positive about potential of a future for AI and RPA in primary care than I have felt for a while!”.

Meanwhile, Mayur Vibhuti Kent and Medway CCIO said [the event was] “A good round up of where we are in AI and automation in PC. Good to have the wisdom of the crowd to discuss the opportunities and the risks on table top.”

Taking meaningful action

The roundtable discussion highlighted several themes for further exploration. One key issue was balancing prevention work with limited resources. Another was securing funding for AI and automation projects. The group also discussed the need for quick evaluation of new ideas before widespread adoption. There was debate about the best level to introduce innovations, whether at individual practices, Primary Care Networks, or Integrated Care Boards. This decision needs to consider local needs and the benefits of larger-scale implementation. The importance of involving the public in discussions about AI and automation use in primary care was emphasised was also discussed.

A series of key asks and next steps for the system, innovators and the Health Innovation Network have been developed based on the discussions at the roundtable. The health innovation networks in the South East will set up a regional Community of Practice and are working on a digital regulatory checklist to support ICBs, practices and innovators. Key asks for the system are to explore funding options and ways to overcome regulatory challenges. Innovators are tasked with conducting independent evaluations and thinking about how their products meet existing regulatory requirements innovators. A summary of the full asks is available in the image included below.

If you would like more information about the roundtable or our work in AI, please email Jenny Partridge.