We need to regulate the ‘Wild West’ of medical AI scribes

Automatic scribes run by artificial intelligence now routinely ‘listen in’ on your visit to the doctor.

These software scribes – potentially used by around 40 per cent of general practitioners in Australia (and growing) – are transforming medical practice.

They are also used beyond your GP clinic, by specialists and in hospital care to draft medical records and other documents, like discharge summaries and referral letters.

Dozens of companies are now producing AI scribe products, which are becoming ubiquitous in healthcare settings. Globally, the industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

They are claimed to save doctors...