AI Transforming Patient Consultations: The Case of Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp

In today’s fast-paced medical environment, general practitioners (GPs) face increasing pressures related to patient volume and administrative burdens. Dr. Deepali Misra-Sharp, a GP partner based in Birmingham, has turned to artificial intelligence (AI) to ease some of this pressure, allowing her to focus more on patient care. In this article, we will explore how AI tools like Heidi Health are reshaping the way healthcare professionals engage with their patients while addressing a broader trend of AI intervention in the medical field.

The Challenges Faced by GPs Today

The difficulties of securing an appointment with a GP are common complaints in the UK. Patients often find themselves waiting long periods for consultations, and even when they do get an appointment, the time with the doctor is typically limited. According to estimates by the British Medical Association (BMA), the average full-time GP is now responsible for roughly 2,273 patients, marking a 17% increase since September 2015. This growing patient load exacerbates existing challenges, with GPs often feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

AI-Powered Solutions: A Glimpse into Dr. Misra-Sharp’s Practice

Dr. Misra-Sharp discovered Heidi Health, a free AI-assisted medical transcription tool, about four months ago. The technology listens to and transcribes patient appointments, allowing her to redirect her attention from note-taking to active listening during consultations. “I can spend my entire time locking eyes with the patient and actively listening,” she explains. This enhancement in interaction leads to what she describes as a ‘more quality consultation.’

The impact of the tool is quantifiable; Dr. Misra-Sharp estimates that she saves ‘two to three minutes per consultation’ thanks to AI. Moreover, the tool also minimizes the risk of errors in her medical documentation, contributing to better patient care and outcomes.

The Role of AI in Alleviating GP Workload

With a constant rise in administrative tasks, many studies indicate that AI could be a solution to reduce GPs’ workloads. A 2019 Health Education England report estimated that new technologies, including AI, could save GPs 5.7 million hours of appointment time through minimal time savings—just one minute—per patient. Similarly, research from Oxford University in 2020 found that nearly 44% of administrative tasks in general practice could be automated, thereby freeing up time that can be better spent with patients.

Innovations by Corti: AI’s Expanding Role

One noteworthy company in this space is Denmark-based Corti, which has developed an AI system capable of understanding healthcare consultations and recommending follow-up questions and treatment options. Co-founder Lars Maaløe states that their technology processes around 150,000 patient interactions daily, aggregating to about 100 million per year across Europe and the US.

This system leverages historical conversations to provide physicians with relevant information and prompts. For instance, it can remind doctors to ask specific questions based on previous patient cases, enriching the consultation experience.

Addressing Patient Concerns About AI

As AI becomes more integrated into healthcare, one pressing question emerges: Do patients feel comfortable with AI systems recording their consultations? Maaløe emphasizes that it is best practice for physicians to inform patients about AI usage. Dr. Misra-Sharp mentions that she routinely informs her patients about the listening device assisting her. So far, she hasn’t encountered any objections, suggesting that patients may see the benefits of improved documentation.

Additional AI Tools Enhancing Medical Practice

In addition to transcription tools, other AI innovations are also enhancing patient care. The C the Signs platform, currently in use at 1,400 GP practices across England, employs AI to analyze patients’ medical records. This tool identifies risk factors for various conditions, including cancer, based on symptoms reported and medical history. According to co-founder Dr. Bea Bakshi, the technology has facilitated over 400,000 cancer risk assessments and identified more than 30,000 patients with various forms of cancer.

The Cautious Optimism Surrounding AI in Healthcare

While the potential benefits of AI in healthcare are significant, experts caution that such tools must be used judiciously. The BMA warns that while AI has the potential to transform healthcare, it is not a panacea. Dr. Katie Bramall-Stainer, chair of the General Practice Committee UK at the BMA, noted the risks associated with potential bias, patient privacy issues, and the need for robust regulation before widespread implementation.

Additionally, legal considerations around data handling remain crucial. Alison Dennis, co-head of the international life sciences team at Taylor Wessing, emphasizes that AI systems must be properly trained on reliable datasets and adhere to data privacy standards to protect patient information.

Conclusion: The Future of AI in General Practice

For practitioners like Dr. Misra-Sharp, the implementation of AI technology has rekindled her passion for patient interactions. “It has made me go back to enjoying my consultations again instead of feeling time pressured,” she shares. As AI tools continue to evolve and their applications in healthcare expand, they promise not only to relieve some of the burdens on GPs but also to enhance the overall quality of patient care. However, careful consideration is essential to ensure that patient safety and privacy remain paramount as this technology continues to develop.

Key Takeaways:

• AI tools like Heidi Health are helping GPs like Dr. Misra-Sharp focus more on patient care by automating administrative tasks.
• The integration of AI in healthcare could potentially save millions of hours of GP time, enhancing patient interactions.
• Caution is advised in deploying AI technologies, as issues of bias, privacy, and regulatory adherence must be addressed to protect patients effectively.