Defining the ideal artificial intelligence tool by and for GPs in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region in France: a qualitative study
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly discussed as a potential tool in primary care, yet its acceptability and perceived role among GPs remain insufficiently explored, particularly regarding clinical practice and the doctor-patient relationship. AIM: To explore GPs' perspectives in Nord-Pas-de-Calais on the potential role, acceptability, and conditions of use of AI tools in clinical practice. DESIGN & SETTING: Qualitative study using inductive thematic analysis, conducted in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region between February 2024 and May 2024. METHOD: Eleven GPs were recruited using purposive maximum-variation sampling. Semi-structured interviews explored anticipated or hypothetical uses of AI, as participants did not have routine prior experience with AI tools in general practice. Interviews were continued until data adequacy was reached and confirmed by two consolidation interviews. RESULTS: Participants described AI as potentially useful if it remained simple, rapid, integrated into existing clinical software, and under clinician control. They anticipated benefits for documentation, alerts, decision support, continuing learning, and workload relief, but expressed concerns about reliability, data governance, medico-legal responsibility, cognitive over-reliance, and possible effects on the doctor-patient relationship. CONCLUSION: GPs described a pragmatic and conditional openness to AI. Successful implementation in general practice will depend less on technological performance alone than on usability, clinical validation, transparent governance, software interoperability, and the capacity of AI to support - rather than replace - professional judgement and the doctor-patient relationship.
Source: BJGP Open
Institution: Université de Lille
Language: English
Subfield: Health Informatics
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,226
OpenAlex ID: W7225200568