Mass General Brigham turning to AI to ease primary care doctor shortage

Mass General Brigham has recently implemented artificial intelligence technology to combat the significant shortage of primary care doctors. The introduction of the AI app, named “Care Connect,” aims to streamline the diagnostic process by questioning patients, reviewing their medical records, and generating a list of potential diagnoses.

This innovative platform was officially launched on September 9th, catering to the 15,000 MGB patients who currently do not have a designated primary care physician. Through a user-friendly chatbot that operates 24/7, patients undergo an initial interview before being promptly connected with a physician via telehealth appointment, often within just thirty minutes. Mass General Brigham stands out as one of the pioneering health care systems nationally to adopt such advanced AI technology in patient care.

Despite the promising prospects of AI in healthcare, some primary care doctors within the organization have expressed skepticism towards its effectiveness. They argue that the focus should be on addressing the underlying issue of the shortage by offering competitive compensation and improving working conditions to attract and retain more primary care physicians within the state’s largest health system.

As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the integration of artificial intelligence tools like Care Connect signifies a shift towards more efficient and accessible patient care. By leveraging technology to streamline diagnosis and treatment processes, Mass General Brigham is paving the way for a more patient-centric approach to healthcare delivery.