Perspectives of general practitioners in China on using AI in clinical practice: A qualitative study
Hongzhan Jiang, Yi Li, Yulin Wang, Wanting Shen, Baolian Wang, Haiyan Lei, Yixuan Lu, Xuejing Li, Yao Liu, Yufang HaoPurpose
To explore the perceptions, barriers, and facilitators of artificial intelligence (AI) integration into clinical practice among general practitioners (GPs) in China.
Methods
A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews guided by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit 31 GPs (median age 33 years; mean clinical experience 7.94 years) with prior AI exposure from 13 healthcare institutions (tertiary hospitals and community health centers) across four provinces in China. Data were analyzed using hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis.
Results
GPs viewed AI as a ‘cognitive extender’ for differential diagnosis and chronic disease management, while generative AI was praised for ease of use. However, integrated clinical systems disrupted workflows, and fear of eroding professional authority led to ‘stealth use’ of AI during consultations. Key barriers included inadequate infrastructure, unclear liability, and training gaps. AI was currently used primarily for non-clinical tasks, and GPs strongly emphasized the irreplaceability of humanistic care.
Conclusions
The GPs in our sample demonstrated cautious optimism toward AI, but clinical integration is stalled by sociotechnical barriers. Effective implementation in primary care requires systemic investments in digital infrastructure, clear liability frameworks, and public education.