Fresh concerns have emerged about artificial intelligence listening in on medical appointments, with warnings that patient privacy is not being adequately protected.<\/p>\n
AI has become like an assistant to doctors, listening to consultations and writing detailed medical notes in seconds.<\/p>\n
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: AI scribes in GP clinics spark privacy concerns<\/p>\n
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n Physicians say it allows them to spend more time with patients and less on paperwork, and is not replacing clinical judgement.<\/p>\n Australian Medical Association (AMA) public health chair Dr Michael Bonning said it provided an opportunity to be \u201cmuch more present, be much more thoughtful\u201d.<\/p>\n But a new report warns the technology is moving too fast, with more than half of GPs now using it.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are questions around patients\u2019 rights to their data and their privacy while they\u2019re discussing the most private information we have,\u201d Digital Rights Watch deputy chair Tom Sulston told 7NEWS.<\/p>\n The report raises concerns about accuracy and found one patient was refused an appointment after declining AI.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not acceptable. We should not have to trade off our health care for the privacy of our health information,\u201d Sulston said.<\/p>\n The AMA says while doctors are not writing anymore, they still have the final say.<\/p>\n \u201cThe author of any medical note is the doctor,\u201d Bonning said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe always have to check and make sure that what goes into the record is correct.\u201d<\/p>\n Critics are not calling for AI scribes to be banned but want stronger regulation and clearer protections for patients without being denied medical care.<\/p>\n Doctors agree more rules are needed to protect patient trust.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Deepfake warning for Aussie schools sharing student photos<\/p>\n 1 min read<\/p>\n