A new University of Otago study has found that AI transcription tools, or “AI scribes,” are already being widely used in New Zealand primary care, particularly by GPs. While many clinicians report benefits such as time savings and improved patient engagement, the research highlights significant concerns around accuracy, patient consent, data security, and the impact on the doctor–patient relationship.

Study Overview

The study was led by the University of Otago in Wellington, New Zealand, and its findings were published in the Journal of Primary Health Care. In early 2024, researchers surveyed 197 primary care providers, including GPs, nurses, nurse practitioners, rural emergency care providers, and practice managers, to capture a snapshot of AI scribe use in clinical practice.

Benefits of AI Scribes for Doctors and Patients

• 40% of study participants reported using AI scribes for patient note-taking
• Reported benefits include:
  • Time savings (up to 2 hours per day for some users)
  • More patient engagement through eye contact and active listening

Challenges and Limitations of AI Transcription Tools

• Accuracy issues (missed findings, “hallucinations”)
• Time-consuming corrections and edits
• Struggles with New Zealand accents and te reo Māori
• Mixed impact on patient consultations (e.g. the need to verbalize exam findings)
• Ongoing concerns about data security and storage on overseas servers

Legal, Ethical, and Privacy Issues with AI in Healthcare

• Only 59% of clinicians sought patient consent before using the AI scribes
• Just 66% read the software terms and conditions
• There was uncertainty around compliance with New Zealand law and medical guidelines
• Specific concerns were noted about Māori data sovereignty

Expert Insights from University of Otago Researchers

Lead researcher Professor Angela Ballantyne highlighted that clinicians remain legally responsible for the accuracy of patient records, regardless of whether AI tools are used. She noted that AI-generated outputs require careful review and that any benefits must be balanced against potential risks to privacy and patient rights. Guidance on the use of AI in healthcare is expected from the Medical Council of New Zealand later in 2025.

Future of AI Scribes in Primary Care

The National AI Advisory Group has already endorsed two tools for clinical use, Heidi Health and iMedX.

Researchers emphasize that for AI scribes to be safely integrated into healthcare, clear governance and regulation must be established, patients should have the right to choose whether or not AI is used in their consultations, and the ongoing impacts on clinical practice need to be carefully evaluated.

With these measures in place, AI scribes could become a valuable support tool in New Zealand’s primary care system.

More detail can be found in this article