Generative artificial intelligence adoption and the future of the primary care profession: an online survey of UK general practitioners’ experiences and opinions

Objective

Use of large language model-based systems in healthcare has expanded rapidly since late 2022. Building on previous national surveys, we examined current generative AI (GenAI) use among UK general practitioners (GPs) and how GPs conceptualise artificial intelligence (AI), its clinical role and implications for professional practice.

Methods and analysis

We analysed data from the 2026 wave of the Generative AI in UK General Practice (GPAI-UK) survey is an annual, convenience sample online survey of UK GPs administered via Doctors.net.uk within a scheduled monthly omnibus targeting approximately 1000 responses. The questionnaire retained core items on GenAI use and added items on conceptualisations of AI, anticipated effects on skills and meaningfulness of work, perceived patient responses, career advice and long-term professional expectations. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse responses.

Results

A total of 1004 GPs completed the online survey. Just over half reported using GenAI in clinical practice (52%, 522/1004), most commonly ChatGPT, Heidi Health and Microsoft Copilot. Among users, 70% (363/522) reported that GenAI had reduced their work burden.

Nearly half conceptualised GenAI as a collaborative technology working alongside clinicians (46%, 462/1004), while around one-fifth viewed it as a simple tool (21%, 209/1004) and 1 in 10 as a potential competitor (10%, 103/1004). Most expected GenAI to play at least a moderate role in routine practice within 5 years (69%, 693/1004).

Looking ahead 10 years, one-third expected GenAI to change which GP skills matter most (34%, 337/1004), and 16% (163/1004) anticipated replacement of some core skills, most often documentation (811/1004), knowledge recall (509/1004) and diagnostic reasoning (442/1004). Many GPs said they would continue to encourage a career in general practice in the context of developments in AI tools; almost half had reservations (48%, 478/1004), nearly, one-third were not able to advise either way (32%, 317/1004). Most expected GenAI to substantially reshape the GP role while leaving GPs central to care (59%, 590/1004).

Conclusion

In this survey, over half of UK GP respondents used GenAI and primarily viewed it as a collaborative technology. GPs anticipated reconfiguration of skills and roles rather than widespread professional displacement. Understanding clinicians’ conceptualisations alongside adoption patterns is important for workforce planning, training and regulation.