Implementing Artificial Intelligence in Family Medicine: Challenges and Limitations.

General practice/family medicine is a primary healthcare discipline that focuses on providing comprehensive, patient-centered care to individuals and families across their lifespan. This study aimed to assess the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in general practice/family medicine regarding the 12 characteristics of its discipline as described in the recently revised European Definition of General Practice/Family Medicine. AI has the potential to revolutionize family medicine practice by improving the accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness of various clinical tasks. From diagnostic decision-making to chronic condition management and clinical workflow optimization, AI-powered tools offer a range of benefits for patients and clinicians. However, appropriate education and training of the primary healthcare providers are deemed necessary to maximize benefits and minimize potential pitfalls. To ensure efficient and safe integration of AI in medical practice, important implications regarding privacy, malpractice, bias, autonomy, and overtreatment should also be addressed. AI application should be treated as a practical, assistive tool for the clinician, that can hardly take over decision-making and cannot replace the doctor-patient relationship.