‘In the Midst of Every Crisis, Lies Great Opportunity’: Perceptions of the Future Use of Artificial Intelligence in the UK NHS Primary Care

Greenhalgh, Sue ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2259-0123, Guo, Li ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1272-8480 and Yeowell, Gill ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3872-9799 (2025) ‘In the Midst of Every Crisis, Lies Great Opportunity’: Perceptions of the Future Use of Artificial Intelligence in the UK NHS Primary Care. Musculoskeletal Care, 23 (2). e70092. ISSN 1478-2189

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Abstract

Background: Amidst a backdrop of crisis in primary healthcare, characterised by increasing patient demands and a stagnant workforce, artificial intelligence (AI) is proposed as a potential enhancer of clinical efficacy and decision‐making support. Interviews explored how AI could serve as a ‘clinical nudge’, assisting rather than supplanting human decision‐makers. Method: This qualitative study explores stakeholder perceptions of AI in NHS primary care settings in the Northwest of England through semi‐structured interviews and site visits. Participants included healthcare professionals and patients. Results: All highlighted AI’s potential to manage large amounts of patient data that may contain inaccuracies or irrelevant information effectively, and aid in the implementation of clinical guidelines. However, concerns about data quality, cybersecurity and the impact on clinical skills were prevalent. Conclusions: Findings suggest a cautious but optimistic view of AI as a tool for improving efficiency and patient safety in primary care, emphasising the need for robust governance structures to ensure its beneficial integration into clinical workflows. This study underlines the necessity of balancing technological innovation with the preservation of essential human elements within the healthcare process.