Australia warns on privacy as AI scribe usage by doctors surges

Increased Use of AI Scribes

The adoption of AI scribe technology by Australian doctors has seen a substantial rise, with user rates climbing from 22% in August 2024 to 40% by November 2025, according to a Royal Australian College of General Practitioners poll. This increase is attributed to the tools' ability to alleviate the administrative burden associated with patient consultations.

Privacy and Oversight Concerns

The federal health department has expressed concerns regarding the limited oversight of AI scribe technologies. They are classified as 'medical devices' only when serving a therapeutic purpose. The department highlighted issues related to data security, stating that some suppliers might not be aware their platforms send patient data outside of Australia.

Implications for Clinical Practice

The health department also points out that while AI scribes can improve productivity and reduce clinician burnout, they share the inherent limitations of large language models in terms of data quality and accuracy. This may have further implications for patient safety and clinical accountability.

Variability in Patient Consent

There is significant variation in how clinicians obtain consent from patients for using AI scribes. The health department emphasizes the necessity for informed consent, which involves patients fully understanding the benefits and limitations of AI technology.