Half of all GPs adopted an innovative approach in their practice in the past year, according to new RACGP Health of the Nation data, prompting calls for the Federal Government to invest in digital infrastructure and support the safe integration of technologies such as artificial intelligence into general practice.
The findings come as general practices continue to expand the use of technologies such as telehealth, e-prescribing and digital tools designed to improve patient care and practice efficiency.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said more must be done to support the next generation of healthcare technology.
“General practice is the cornerstone of Australia’s healthcare system, and GPs have consistently shown they are willing to embrace innovation when it improves care for patients,” Dr Wright said.
“We’ve seen rapid uptake of innovations including telehealth and e-prescribing in recent years, helping patients access care more conveniently and enabling practices to work more efficiently.
“GPs must play a central role in shaping how these technologies are integrated into healthcare, so innovations are safe, fit-for-purpose and focused on improving patient outcomes.
“Our latest Health of the Nation findings show that 50% of GPs adopted an innovative approach in their practice within the previous 12 months, up from 34% in 2024. The proportion of GPs who feel well informed about innovation in general practice has also risen substantially, from 13% in 2024 to 41% this year.
“Artificial intelligence is one area generating significant interest. Almost four in 10 GPs [39%] believe AI scribes and other AI tools can add value and improve efficiency in general practice, and among GPs in training that figure rises to more than two-thirds [68%].
“Specialist GPs are confident using and implementing new technology. Less than one in six [17%] said GPs’ ability to navigate and use AI tools and technology is an issue for the profession and three quarters of GPs [74%] agree digital tools have improved care delivery over the past 10 years.
“However, many GPs remain cautious, and rightly so. New technologies must support high-quality, continuous patient care, protect privacy, and be implemented safely. Technology should assist GPs, not replace the trusted relationship between a patient and their family doctor.”
This approach is reflected in the RACGP’s position statement on artificial intelligence in primary care, which recognises the significant potential benefits of AI while emphasising the need for appropriate safeguards, regulation and GP involvement in the development and implementation of AI solutions.
“The RACGP wants to unlock the full potential of general practice by reducing red tape, embracing innovation and strengthening research and evidence-based care,” Dr Wright said.
“To achieve this, we need modern digital infrastructure and healthcare systems that can communicate with each other seamlessly. Too often GPs are still navigating outdated systems that create unnecessary administrative burden for practices and frustration for patients.
“Australia’s GPs have a strong appetite for tools to enable this. The top two enablers of better care coordination GPs named in the 2026 Health of the Nation were better communication and information sharing [53% of GPs] and shared records and interoperability [29%].
“It’s time to seriously tackle longstanding inefficiencies. In 2026, hospitals and health services need to have modern secure messaging, so that GPs can communicate with them easily and we can finally get rid of faxes and outdated technology.
“We need interoperable digital systems that allow information to move securely and efficiently between healthcare providers.
“The Federal Government can support innovation by upgrading digital infrastructure, enhancing interoperability across healthcare systems, and reviewing regulations to ensure new technologies and innovative models of care can be integrated safely and effectively into general practice.
“We also need a robust regulatory and oversight framework for artificial intelligence in healthcare. Consistent with the RACGP’s position statement on AI in primary care, lawmakers, regulators and professional bodies must keep pace with rapid technological change to ensure AI is implemented safely, effectively and appropriately in clinical settings, while still enabling innovation that benefits patients.
“With the right policy settings and investment, Australia can be a global leader in innovative, patient-centred primary care.”
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