Executive summary
Artificial intelligence is no longer on the horizon for UK general practice; it is here. AI tools can significantly aid in triage, clinical documentation, and evidence retrieval, but their safe and effective use hinges on robust governance frameworks and diligent local clinical oversight, as outlined in NHS England guidance (NHS England, NHS Transformation Directorate).
Regulators and professional bodies, including the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), support this cautious, governed adoption. The CQC, in particular, has set clear expectations for the compliant implementation of AI in GP services to ensure patient safety and quality of care are upheld (Care Quality Commission). This article provides a definitive guide for UK GPs on navigating this new landscape.
What AI can (and can’t) do in GP workflows today
The most immediate, high-impact use cases for AI in general practice UK are focused on reducing administrative burden and supporting decision-making. These include:
- Intake and triage assistants to streamline patient access.
- Ambient scribing tools that automate clinical note-taking.
- Structured assessment tools that help gather information before a consultation.
- Q&A evidence tools that provide rapid answers to clinical questions.
Numerous NHS case studies are emerging that demonstrate these benefits in practice (NHS England Digital). However, these tools are not without risks. Residual errors, algorithmic bias, and questions of accountability are significant concerns. These must be risk-managed through clear role definition, comprehensive audit trails, and a non-negotiable "human-in-the-loop" approach where the clinician always verifies the final output (themdu.com).
Governance & safety: the UK rulebook for GPs
A clear governance framework exists to guide the safe implementation of AI in UK general practice.
- NHS England AI & ML guidance: Provides a practical checklist and key considerations for any practice planning to adopt AI tools (NHS England).
- DTAC (Digital Technology Assessment Criteria): This is the NHS baseline standard for procuring any new digital technology. Any tool you consider must be DTAC-compliant, which provides assurance across five core areas: clinical safety, data privacy, cybersecurity, interoperability, and usability (NHS Transformation Directorate).
- CQC expectations: The CQC's "Mythbuster 109: Using artificial intelligence in GP services" is essential reading. It clearly spells out the regulatory expectations for good clinical governance when implementing AI, ensuring services remain safe, effective, and well-led (Care Quality Commission).
- RCGP position & training guidance: The RCGP has provided a clear stance on AI, alongside practical advice for registrars and educators on its use in training and the Workplace Based Programme Assessment (WPBA). The key is to use it with integrity and transparency (rcgp.org.uk).
Ethical AI for AKT and SCA: what’s allowed, what isn’t
For GP trainees, it is critical to understand the ethical boundaries of using AI for exam preparation.
- AKT & SCA exam rules: To be clear, no electronic devices, calculators, or phones are permitted in the AKT or SCA exams themselves. Revision must be planned accordingly (rcgp.org.uk). The official RCGP guidance outlines the scope and revision approach for both exams, including how to prepare for tasks like interpreting graphs or calculations without AI assistance.
- Using AI ethically in preparation: The RCGP’s note on generative AI in training provides a clear steer. AI can be a powerful tool for learning, exploring concepts, and getting feedback on practice cases. However, it must never be used to misrepresent your own work or breach academic integrity. For SCA AI practice cases, it can help you brainstorm scenarios, but the work you submit for assessment must be your own (rcgp.org.uk).
PCSE essentials for GPs (and where AI fits administratively)
Primary Care Support England (PCSE) manages essential administrative services for GP practices via its PCSE Online portal.
- What PCSE does: Key functions include managing the England Performers List, GP pensions, medical supplies, and patient registrations (pcse.england.nhs.uk).
- Performers list & joining MPL: All processes for joining or updating your status on the Medical Performers List (MPL) are managed through PCSE Online. It is your professional responsibility to keep your record up to date, especially for joiners, leavers, or those changing roles (NHS England Medical Hub).
- Where AI helps (indirectly): There is currently no approved AI integration for direct PCSE submissions. Do not attempt to automate these processes. However, AI can be used as a personal administrative assistant to help you organise checklists, track key dates, and manage the document packs required for your applications. Always use the official PCSE portal for all submissions (pcse.england.nhs.uk).
Implementation checklist for a GP practice pilot
For a practice looking to pilot an AI tool, follow this structured six-step process:
- Map the use case: Clearly define the problem you are trying to solve (e.g., reducing documentation time with a scribe).
- Request a DTAC compliance pack from the vendor to verify its safety and governance credentials.
- Complete a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) and a local clinical safety case.
- Implement mandatory staff training and establish clear human oversight protocols.
- Audit Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure impact (see section 8).
- Create CQC-ready documentation that demonstrates your governance process.
Day-to-day playbook (examples you can adopt now)
- Clinic prep: Use evidence retrieval tools that provide clear citations (like iatroX). Always cross-check the AI-surfaced information with the definitive local or NICE guidance.
- In-consultation assist: When using a dictation or ambient scribe tool, always verbally capture patient consent. Crucially, you must review, edit, and approve all AI-generated notes and codes before saving to the record.
- Post-consultation: Use AI to assist in drafting patient information letters or patient plans, but always perform a final human check for accuracy, tone, and clarity before sending.
Metrics that matter (prove value, stay safe)
To demonstrate the value and safety of an AI pilot, track these metrics:
- Quality & safety: Documentation accuracy rates, guideline concordance of AI suggestions, and appropriateness of clinical escalations.
- Operations: Minutes saved per consultation, reduction in administrative backlog, and triage turnaround times.
- People: Clinician satisfaction and burnout scores, patient satisfaction ratings, and any related complaints.
Future outlook: the GP’s role is evolving
The integration of AI into general practice is a marathon, not a sprint. The GP's role will be central in shaping how this technology evolves safely.
- Get involved: Join the RCGP AI Special Interest Group (SIG) to share your learning, hear from peers, and help shape national best practice (rcgp.org.guk).
- Shape policy: Prominent voices are pushing for AI navigation and triage to be used at scale. It is vital that frontline GPs engage in this conversation to help set the safeguards and design the clinical pathways (institute.global).