AI Scribes in Primary Care: From Interest to Responsible Use
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Comprehensive Care’s recent webinar explored how AI scribes may support primary care while reinforcing the importance of patient trust, clinical accountability and good governance.
Interest in AI scribes is growing across primary care. Their potential to support clinical documentation is clear, but the quality of implementation will ultimately determine their value.
On 28 July 2026, Comprehensive Care brought clinicians and practice teams together for a webinar on the safe and effective use of AI in primary care. The session responded to growing interest from across our network and created space for practical questions about consent, privacy, clinical oversight and implementation.
Guest speaker Carmela Kendrick-Jones, a client partner at Hendrix Health, used Heidi’s AI scribe to demonstrate how the technology may fit into everyday clinical workflows. Hendrix Health is a New Zealand implementation partner for Heidi Health.
Heidi was included as a practical example for member practices. Comprehensive Care does not endorse any particular AI scribe product.
The discussion extended beyond how the technology works. It considered what responsible use looks like and the questions practices should ask before introducing an AI scribe.
Clinical Judgement Remains Central
AI scribes are designed to support documentation, not replace professional judgement.
Generated notes can omit information, misunderstand context or include inaccuracies. Clinicians must review and correct the output before it becomes part of the patient record.
The Medical Council of New Zealand’s guidance on AI in patient care confirms that doctors remain responsible for their clinical decisions and actions. AI output should be checked before it is used in patient care or included in a patient record.
Templates and settings may improve consistency, but accountability remains with the clinician.
Patient Trust Starts with Transparency
Patients should understand when an AI scribe is being used and what it means for their information.
The Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights protects patients’ rights to privacy, effective communication, information and informed consent.
Medical Council guidance also states that doctors must obtain informed consent when using an AI tool to record or transcribe a consultation. The patient record must document whether consent was obtained.
A clear conversation should explain:
What the tool does and why it is being used.
What information it processes.
How the information will be protected.
Whether another organisation will process or store it.
What will happen if the patient declines.
Practices should have an alternative documentation process available. Patients should not feel pressured to accept the use of an AI scribe.
Good Governance Supports Responsible Use
Safe implementation requires more than an individual clinician creating an account.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner expects organisations considering generative AI to assess whether its use is necessary and proportionate. Senior leadership approval and a Privacy Impact Assessment should form part of that process.
Identifiable health information is covered by the Privacy Act 2020 and the Health Information Privacy Code 2020.
Practices need to understand where information is processed, who can access it, how long it is retained and whether it is transferred outside New Zealand. They should also establish whether information could be used to train or improve an AI model.
Responsibility does not automatically transfer to the technology provider. Where a third-party processes information on a practice’s behalf, the practice remains responsible for how that information is managed.
Clear governance should cover approved tools, consent, access controls, staff training, clinical review, incident management and vendor oversight.
Equity and Accessibility Matter
AI tools may perform differently across accents, languages, disabilities, communication styles and clinical settings.
Practices should consider how a tool performs for the communities they serve. The Privacy Commissioner also advises organisations to engage with Māori about potential effects on communities and taonga information.
Multilingual scribing features may support documentation, but they should not replace a competent interpreter when one is needed. Patients should receive information in a form they can understand.
Five Questions to Ask Before Introducing an AI Scribe
A practice considering an AI scribe should be able to answer five questions:
Is the tool suitable for the intended purpose and patient population?
How will patients be informed and asked for consent?
Who will review the output and remain accountable for the final record?
Where will the information go, and how will it be protected?
How will performance, equity, patient feedback and incidents be monitored?
A limited pilot can help practices test workflows, identify inaccuracies and assess the tool before considering wider use.
Supporting Informed Decisions Across Our Practice Network
A fast-changing digital landscape calls for a considered approach, with patient safety, equity and clinical judgement at the centre.
Comprehensive Care supports the network by sharing relevant information, connecting practices with expertise and creating opportunities for shared learning. These efforts help practices engage thoughtfully with emerging technologies and make informed decisions for their communities.
Explore The Related Guidance
The information in this article is general and educational. It does not constitute clinical, legal, privacy, cybersecurity or procurement advice. Practices should seek advice appropriate to their circumstances before implementing an AI tool.
