More patients bring AI health advice to GP appointments
15 Oct 2026
A newsGP poll of more than 800 GPs asked how often patients brought AI-generated health information to consultations. The results showed that 27% encountered it daily and 30% weekly. Another 13% reported seeing it monthly, while 19% said it happened rarely and 9% said it never happened.
AI tools are becoming a common source of health information. Research shows that people use them to summarise medical information, answer health questions and seek guidance.
These tools can explain medical information in simple language, are available at any time and may help people who face language or reading difficulties. However, researchers have also warned about risks that can be difficult to track when AI advice causes harm.
Dr Sean Stevens, who leads the RACGP’s Digital Health and Innovation group, said more patients had started using AI for health information over the past year.
He said many patients were using these tools but still turning to their regular GP to understand the information rather than accepting it without question.
Dr Stevens said doctors should listen to patients who bring AI-generated information to appointments. Understanding their concerns and what they have learnt can help GPs explain the information in the context of their medical history.
He said patients were more likely to consider a doctor's advice when their concerns were taken seriously. Although discussing AI information could initially make consultations longer, it could also improve patients' understanding. In some cases, accurate AI-generated information could save time.
Dr Stevens identified several reasons why patients use AI for health advice. People worried about their health may use it to explore symptoms, which can sometimes increase their anxiety. Others turn to AI for advice about minor symptoms they do not think require a GP visit.
Some patients also upload results from My Health Record to AI tools in an effort to understand what the results mean.
Dr Stevens said AI use was also becoming more common among doctors. He expects clinicians to increasingly use specialised AI tools that draw on reliable, selected sources to support their work, rather than relying only on general-purpose AI systems.
More patients bring AI health advice to GP appointments
Sources: RACGP newsGP poll | Nature research on AI and health