Exploring AI and Patient Care in 2026
In May 2026, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) released the latest issue of the Australian Journal of General Practice (AJGP), spotlighting ‘Digital general practice’.
Digital innovation is reshaping how care is delivered, enhancing medical education, and improving patient outcomes in general practice across Australia. This issue reflects on past advancements, addresses current challenges, and explores future possibilities.
Readers will find articles focusing on digital health innovation, real-world case studies of practice transformation, and forward-looking predictions for general practice by 2035. The growing role of artificial intelligence in GP education and continuing professional development is a key highlight.
Dr. Brendon Evans, AJGP Medical Editor, said, “The truth is this: technology’s rising tide has made our patients healthier and our lives as doctors easier, and will continue to do so.”
Addressing Risks and Opportunities
Digital health inequity poses potential risks, with vulnerable patients possibly being left behind. The issue provides practical guidance to tackle these challenges while leveraging technology to enhance patient care and improve GP work-life balance.
RACGP President Dr. Michael Wright noted, “Innovation with purpose is alive and well in general practice. Technology-driven solutions for common challenges have potential to support improved quality of care for patients, as well as better work-life balance for GPs.”
The issue covers topics like gaming disorder, new models for urgent care clinics, childhood asthma management, death certification practices, and recent research on telehealth and antibiotic prescribing.
The AJGP offers evidence-based, peer-reviewed content aimed at equipping GPs with the knowledge needed for high-quality care across various clinical and community settings. As an open-access publication, it is accessible to clinicians, researchers, educators, students, and the broader healthcare community.
Themes from this issue will be further explored at the RACGP Practice Owners Conference 2026, scheduled for 23rd to 24th May at ICC Sydney. Under the theme ‘Stronger in practice’, the conference will convene GPs and practice leaders to discuss innovative strategies for managing modern general practice.
The May 2026 issue also delves into the evolution of urgent care clinic models, examining how they have adapted to meet growing patient demands. Case studies highlight successful integration of telehealth services, which have become a crucial part of patient care, especially in rural areas. The issue features a detailed analysis of the impact of artificial intelligence on medical training, showcasing examples where AI has enhanced learning experiences for medical students.
The journal includes a comprehensive review of childhood asthma treatment protocols, offering insights into recent advancements and their implementation in clinical settings. The discussion around gaming disorder raises awareness of its increasing prevalence and presents strategies for effective management.
Looking ahead to the 2035 horizon, the AJGP explores potential digital health trends that could further revolutionise general practice. By embracing these innovations, GPs can ensure they remain at the forefront of healthcare delivery, adapting to new challenges while maintaining the integral doctor-patient relationship.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:11 pm
