Use of AI Scribes Among GPs Doubles in Just One Year: New Poll Insights
12 Dec 2025
The adoption of AI scribes in general practice has surged dramatically, with usage almost doubling in just over 12 months. While the technology is reducing paperwork for many doctors, it also brings new considerations for the future of clinical care.
According to new data collected by newsGP, 22% of respondents reported using AI scribes in August 2024. By November 2025, that figure had jumped to 40%, signalling a rapid shift in how GPs manage documentation.
The RACGP notes that AI scribe use will likely “expand significantly” as the tools become more advanced. Future versions are expected to automatically populate structured fields, generate multilingual transcripts, support patients with communication disabilities, and help clinicians create more personalised treatment plans.
For already overloaded GPs, these capabilities could ease large portions of administrative work.
However, RACGP Expert Committee – Practice and Technology Management Chair Dr Rob Hosking says the growth comes with both opportunities and challenges.
“Many GPs appreciate not having to type lengthy notes and being able to stay more present during consultations,” he told newsGP.
“But AI scribes still make mistakes, so every entry must be checked. When you’re busy, it’s tempting to simply import the notes, but the errors can’t be ignored.”
He also cautioned that reliance on AI-generated documentation can weaken core clinical note-taking skills and make past notes more time-consuming to review due to their increased length and detail.
Additional data supports the rising trend. Avant research shows that AI scribe use among its members increased from 11% in August 2024 to 19% by February 2025, with most early adopters reporting positive experiences.
A recent study further found that after one month of using an AI scribe, administrative burden among 186 clinicians dropped from 52% to 39%.
The tool was associated with less burnout, fewer after-hours documentation tasks and improved ability to give patients undivided attention.
Associate Professor Saeed Akhlaghpou, an Information Systems expert at the University of Queensland, says interest in AI scribes is gaining strong momentum across general practice. But he warns that transparency with patients is essential.
“AI scribes show enormous promise, but they also add new ethical, legal and clinical complexities,” he said. “If oversight and training aren’t prioritised, the risks may overshadow the benefits.”
According to newsGP polling, 88% of GPs say patients are comfortable consenting to the use of AI scribes during consultations. Despite this, Dr Hosking believes early-career doctors should still learn how to think clinically and structure notes independently.
“Doctors must first develop the ability to organise their thoughts. Once those foundations are strong, AI tools can support them. But when you haven’t written the notes yourself, they don’t always stay fresh in your memory.”
Regulatory settings are also evolving. The Therapeutic Goods Administration currently states that AI scribes that merely transcribe or translate clinical conversations are not classified as medical devices.
However, if a scribe interprets the discussion—such as offering a diagnosis or treatment advice not specifically provided by the clinician—it becomes a regulated medical device.
Dr Hosking says the landscape is still shifting.
“There is enormous potential here,” he said. “But as we’ve seen with the rise of the internet and social media, every technological leap brings both positive impacts and challenges.”
News Source: RACGP
