Artificial intelligence in general practice in Germany: an online survey of current use, perceived benefits,...

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly recognised as a transformative tool in health care. However, despite these prospects, the adoption of AI in primary care remains limited in Germany owing to various concerns.

To investigate current AI use, perceived barriers, and training needs among GPs. It also aims to compare attitudes of current users and non-users of AI technologies.

This was a cross-sectional study of practising GPs in the Free State of Saxony, Germany; participants received an invitation to participate in an online survey between November 2024 and January 2025.

In total, 1620 GPs received an invitation and two additional reminders to complete the survey via REDCap.

A total of 154 GPs completed the questionnaire, of whom n = 70 currently use AI in practice, predominantly for therapy (n = 51, 72.9%) and speech recognition or transcription (n = 47, 67.1%). The biggest barrier to AI implementation was a lack of knowledge about suitable AI-based applications and of how AI works. Compared with AI users, non-users expressed greater legal concerns, more concerns about patient acceptance, and less familiarity with suitable AI applications; they also perceived AI as less relevant to their daily work. To reduce barriers, participants emphasised a favourable cost-benefit ratio of AI applications and facilitating seamless integration into practice software. The majority of responders (n = 83 out of 149, 55.7%) expressed a need for further training on using AI. GPs emphasised the importance of maintaining the interpersonal relationship in health care.

Our study underscores the need for targeted training programmes that address GPs' specific needs and concerns.