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Download AudioHealth Minister Dr Shane Reti is counting on greater use of artificial intelligence and telehealth to address a shortage of GPs that is driving long wait times in primary care.
He says a newspaper story about queues forming at 6am outside an Otara clinic could have been written two years ago, when there were queues outside the same clinic – and it’s not a problem that can be solved in a hurry.
While there is a worldwide shortage of qualified doctors, he’s encouraged by recruiters reporting good interest from the United Kingdom and the United States.
Other ways to address the challenge include extending the scope of work done by nurses, pharmacies administering vaccines, and increased use of technology.
“We know telehealth has a role and we need to look at those things that can reduce the administrative burden on general practice. There may be several hours every day after the last patient just managing labs and the in-box and non-patient face to face contact. If we can use it, maybe principals from artificial intelligence, to help with that administrative burden, to help manage the in-box, then that would give GPs more face to face clinical time,” Dr Reti says.
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