AI Policy

1. Purpose
This policy outlines the appropriate and ethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in general practice consultations to ensure high standards of patient care, safety, privacy, and informed consent.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all general practitioners, clinical staff, administrative staff, and contractors involved in patient care who use or support AI-based tools within the practice.

3. Definitions

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Technologies that simulate human intelligence processes, including machine learning, natural language processing, decision support systems, and predictive analytics.
• AI Tool: Any software or platform utilizing AI to assist in diagnosis, triage, treatment suggestions, documentation, or patient communication.

4. Guiding Principles
4.1 Clinical Oversight

• AI must be used as a clinical support tool—not as a replacement for clinical judgment.
• Final decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment must rest with qualified healthcare professionals.

4.2 Transparency

• Patients should be informed when AI is used in their care, especially if it influences clinical decision-making or communication (e.g., automated triage systems or AI generated notes).
• Where possible, AI use should be documented in the patient’s medical record.
• Verbal consent must be obtained should the consultation utilises AI for capturing patient information and must be documented clearly.

4.3 Informed Consent

• Explicit consent is required when AI is directly involved in diagnosis or patient interaction.
• Patients have the right to decline AI-assisted services and request traditional consultation pathways.

4.4 Safety and Reliability

• Only AI tools that have been validated and approved by relevant health authorities (e.g., MHRA, TGA, FDA) should be used.
• Regular audits must be conducted to monitor the performance and impact of AI tools.

4.5 Data Protection and Privacy

• All AI systems must comply with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA).
• AI tools must not retain patient-identifiable data beyond what is permitted, and data must be stored securely.

4.6 Equity and Accessibility

• AI use must not exacerbate health inequities or discriminate based on race, age, gender, disability, or socio-economic status.
• Human oversight is required to correct any biases identified in AI outputs.

5. Approved Uses of AI in General Practice

• Risk stratification and population health management
• Speech to text translation
• Patient communication (e.g., chatbots with pre-screening capabilities)

6. Staff Responsibilities

• General Practitioners: Ensure that AI use aligns with clinical best practice and patient safety.
• Practice Managers: Oversee implementation, compliance, and staff training.
• IT/Technical Staff: Ensure AI tools are secure, updated, and functioning appropriately.

7. Training and Education

• All staff must receive training in the capabilities, limitations, and ethical implications of AI.
• Ongoing education should be provided as AI technologies evolve.

8. Monitoring and Review

• The practice will review this policy annually or upon significant technological or regulatory change.
• Feedback from patients and clinicians on AI use will inform future updates to this policy.

9. Breaches and Concerns

• Any concerns or incidents involving AI must be reported to the practice managerand investigated in accordance with the practice’s incident reporting procedures.