Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN is calling for 10 practices with ‘strong digital maturity’ to put their hands up for an AI kit-out. Of course, it’s not without expectations.
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network is offering general practices a chance to “shape the future of healthcare” with a new AI initiative.
The PHN is calling for expressions of interest from general practices looking to integrate and test AI-powered solutions.
The “groundbreaking” AI-Enabled General Practice Initiative will provide 10 practices “with strong digital maturity and a team of multiple GPs” with funding and support to integrate AI technology into their workflows.
These practices will take on the role of spokesperson for the value of AI in general practice.
“They will lead and communicate with other practices, sharing their experiences and demonstrating the value of AI,” said the PHN.
“This initiative offers an opportunity to become a beacon of innovation, showcasing the transformative power of AI in healthcare.”
The PHN will fully fund the initial software licenses and training costs of multiple AI tools over the 12-month initiative.
Full training on selected AI tools and ongoing technical support will be offered.
These may include AI-driven tools for documentation (e.g. scribes), form taking, workflow and management optimisation, patient record and appointment software, predictive analytics for operation insights and virtual administrative support.
HNECC PHN executive manager of digital health and technology Melissa Pollard said all AI providers would be required to meet compliance standards.
“In our approach, compliance is key,” she said.
“When working with AI vendors, adherence to Australian Privacy Principles and international standards like ISO 27001 and SOC 2 will be essential.
“We will also ensure that any tools selected comply with GDPR, HIPAA, and other relevant privacy and security frameworks.
“These standards are not just guidelines but fundamental requirements for all AI vendors we engage with.”
The initiative also offers maintenance and change management support including guidance on integration, support for smooth implementation and regular check-ins at no additional cost.
In return, practices will be required to attend kick-off meetings and workshops – estimated at 30 minutes – and actively participate in feedback sessions, which are expected to take an hour per month.
Practices will also be required to provide qualitative and quantitative data to the PHN and agree to feature as a case study.
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They will also be expected to “demonstrate readiness and enthusiasm to integrate the project into business-as-usual activities”.
The PHN expects that the initiative will validate the use of AI tools in general practice and develop a scalable framework for AI adoption, thereby enhancing effective primary care.
“We recognise that many clinicians are already using AI tools without clear guidance,” said Ms Pollard.
“That’s why we aim to create a framework to guide the safe and responsible adoption of AI, providing practical insights to support clinicians.
“Our findings will be published and shared with agencies to help inform future guidelines and ensure AI can be used effectively and safely in healthcare.”
Practices can express their interest on the PHN’s website.
The initiative closes to EOIs at 4pm this Friday.
This article was updated at 4pm 15 October with additional information from HNECC PHN.
