Introduction
Making AI Relevant for Rural Generalists
At ACRRM, we know rural and remote generalists are time-poor and often overburdened. That’s why we focus not on AI as a concept, but on practical digital tools that help solve real business problems in healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in general practice isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, AI refers to a growing suite of tools that perform specific tasks to support your clinical and administrative work.
Common business uses of AI in practice:
- Scribing tools that transcribe consultations and reduce admin burden
- Document summarisation tools that save time reviewing complex histories
- Report generators for common clinical documentation needs
- Clinical decision support systems that provide risk alerts and management suggestions
These tools are already being used in rural practices to:
Support team-based care with better communication and information flow, including real-time access to patient information.
AI can analyse vast amounts of patient data, research findings, and medical literature, providing healthcare practitioners with real-time access to relevant information and evidence-based recommendations. AI can help coordinate care across different settings and specialties, ensuring a smooth transition for patients as they move through the healthcare system.
Improve efficiency, reduce paperwork and better patient outcomes
AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can facilitate communication between team members, patients, and their families, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding care plans and updates. AI-driven tools can provide patients with personalised information about their conditions, medications, and self-care practices, improving patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans.
Assist with prescribing, medication management and referrals
AI algorithms can analyse patient data to identify potential risks, predict patient deterioration, and suggest tailored treatment plans, empowering healthcare teams to make more informed decisions.
Free up time to focus on patient care - not clerical tasks
AI can automate routine tasks such as appointment scheduling, repeat prescriptions, and billing, freeing up healthcare professionals to focus on direct patient care.
Minimise errors and variation in documentation
By providing timely and accurate information, AI can reduce patient anxiety and improve their overall experience with the healthcare system.
ACRRM's Commitment to Safe, Useful AI
Our approach is simple: AI should help rural doctors do their jobs, not replace them. We support innovation that enhances care while protecting safety, privacy, and professional integrity.
Our principles include:
AI tools must be led by clinician oversight, not automation alone and should be tested and monitored to avoid embedded bias
AI algorithms can perpetuate existing biases in healthcare data, leading to disparities in care. It is important to address these biases and ensure that AI systems are fair and equitable.
Tools must be culturally safe, especially for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
It is important to consider the ethical implications of using AI in healthcare, such as the potential for dehumanisation of care and the impact on the healthcare workforce.
Clear guidance and training must accompany any AI used in clinical settings
Healthcare professionals need to understand how AI systems make decisions, so that they can trust and effectively use them.
All tools must comply with Australian privacy and safety standards
It is crucial to ensure that patient data is protected and that AI systems are compliant with privacy regulations.
Feedback
Read our feedback to Department of Health and Aged Care on Safe and Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Health Care October 2024.
Position Statement
Read ACRRM Position Statement on AI in healthcare (July 2024).
ACRRM's Resources for You and Your Practice
Whether you're exploring your first digital scribe or considering how AI fits into your governance framework, ACRRM provides practical, relevant resources:
ACRRM webinar recording: The Use of AI-Based Scribing Software in General Practice - Risks and Rewards
with MIPS - 20 Feb 2025
ACRRM webinar recording: Introduction to AI in General Practice
(Presenter: Justin Spangaro) - 11 November 2024
ACRRM Factsheet: Using Scribing Tools in General Practice
External Resources
- CSIRO: AI in Health
- ACSQHC: Pragmatic AI Guidance for Clinicians (April 2025)
- Australia's AI Ethics Principles - Dept of Industry
- AMA Position on AI in Healthcare
- Ahpra: Guidance on AI Use in Healthcare
- Australian Medical Council - What impacts will artificial intelligence and ethics have on health provision and education?
- Australian Government Supporting responsible AI: discussion paper
Get involved
ACRRM Digital Health Committee invites members to contribute to our evolving approach to AI. Whether you're curious, cautious, or experienced, your insights can shape the next phase of AI integration in rural healthcare.
We welcome:
- Expressions of interest to join AI working groups
- Feedback from members trialling AI tools
- Suggestions for future content and training modules