Artificial intelligence in primary care practice: Qualitative study to understand perspectives on using AI to derive patient social data.

Objective: To understand the perspectives of primary care clinicians and health system leaders on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to derive information about patients' social determinants of health.

Design: Qualitative study.

Setting: Ontario, Canada.

Methods: Semistructured, 30-minute virtual interviews were conducted with eligible participants across Ontario wherein they were asked about their perceptions of using AI to derive social data for patients. A descriptive content analysis was used to elicit themes from the data.

Main Findings: A total of 12 interviews were conducted with 7 family physicians, 3 clinical team members of various health professions, and 2 health system leaders. Five main themes described the current state of social determinants of health information, perceived benefits of and concerns with using AI to derive social data, how participants would want to see and use AI-derived social data, and suggestions for ethical principles that should underpin the development of this AI tool.

Conclusion: Most participants were enthusiastic about the possibility of using AI to derive social data for patients in primary care but noted concerns that should be addressed first. These findings can guide the development of AI-based tools for use in primary care settings.