Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 30, 2024
Date Accepted: Jun 25, 2025
Artificial Intelligence and Primary Care: A Scoping Review
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) development are significantly impacting the medical field. Understanding AI's application in primary healthcare (PHC) is crucial for maximizing its benefits in this heavily overburdened branch of medicine. This review aims to synthesize the current state of AI implementation and integration in general practice (GP).
Methods:
This scoping review follows the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to screen articles that explore the intersection of AI and primary care. By employing a comprehensive approach, we captured the possible range of AI applications and their implications in PHC. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 107 studies were included in the final analysis.
Results:
Thematic analysis revealed three main subtopics. The first theme involves practical and potential usage of this technology, covering administrative tasks, drug management, and disease screening and diagnosis across various fields such as cardiology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. The second theme examines the reactions of the members of healthcare to AI integration, highlighting both enthusiasm and concerns. The third theme addresses broader considerations, including equity, ethics, and research and implementation frameworks. Discussion: The envisioned uses of AI in PHC align with current efforts, including administrative support, diagnostics, and practice management. However, several key issues require resolution to ensure seamless implementation and equity in AI applications, such as incorporating AI into daily practice, preparing electronic health systems, and maintaining equity while enhancing GP.
Conclusions:
AI integration in PHC shows promising, albeit small-scale, findings. With further research and best practices, AI has the potential to significantly support and enhance primary care. Common research areas include administrative support via generative AI, triage, and diagnostic aid. Healthcare professionals often exhibit ambivalence towards AI in PHC, but with further studies, best practices, and active involvement, AI can substantially support this crucial branch of medicine.
Citation
Request queued. Please wait while the file is being generated. It may take some time.
Copyright
© The authors. All rights reserved. This is a privileged document currently under peer-review/community review (or an accepted/rejected manuscript). Authors have provided JMIR Publications with an exclusive license to publish this preprint on it's website for review and ahead-of-print citation purposes only. While the final peer-reviewed paper may be licensed under a cc-by license on publication, at this stage authors and publisher expressively prohibit redistribution of this draft paper other than for review purposes.