Artificial Intelligence in Primary Care: call for articles
BJGP Open is seeking submissions that explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in primary care settings. We are interested in research that investigates the various ways AI technologies are being applied in primary health care, as well as their impact on patient care, clinical decision-making, and healthcare delivery. The focus is on understanding the transformative role of AI in enhancing access, efficiency, quality, and outcomes of primary care services.
We invite both primary research and comparative analyses that address the following topics and more:
- Applications of AI in primary care: Research documenting the use of AI tools and algorithms in primary care settings, including diagnostic support, treatment planning, and predictive analytics. Studies can explore both specific AI technologies (such as machine learning or natural language processing) and broader AI applications.
- AI and clinical decisionmaking: Investigations into how AI assists or complements clinical decisionmaking in primary care, including diagnostic accuracy, risk stratification, and clinical pathway optimisation.
- Impact of AI on healthcare access and equity: Studies evaluating how AI may influence healthcare access, particularly in underserved or rural areas, and its potential to reduce or exacerbate health inequalities.
- AI in patient–provider communication: Research on the role of AI in enhancing or challenging communication between patients and healthcare providers, including the use of AI-driven chatbots, virtual assistants, or AI-enhanced communication tools.
- AI in healthcare workflow optimisation: Research exploring how AI technologies can streamline administrative tasks, reduce clinician burnout, and improve operational efficiency in primary care practices.
- Ethical considerations in AI in primary care: Studies that critically examine the ethical implications of using AI in primary care, including privacy concerns, bias in algorithms, and the role of AI in clinical decisionmaking.
- Patient and provider perspectives on AI: Qualitative research exploring the perceptions and experiences of both patients and healthcare providers with the use of AI in primary care settings.
- AI in primary care education: Investigations into how AI is being integrated into the education and training of healthcare professionals in primary care, and its potential to enhance skills and knowledge.
Submission types
We welcome a wide range of submissions, including:
- Primary research (qualitative and quantitative)
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
- Research protocols
- Commentaries and opinion pieces
- International reports on AI adoption and challenges in primary care
This call aims to generate new evidence on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of primary care and its potential to improve health outcomes. We encourage interdisciplinary research that integrates AI, healthcare practice, policy, and patient experiences.
We look forward to your contributions to this exciting area of research.
Submissions can be made through the ScholarOne submission portal. Please select 'AI' from the drop-down submission menu, and state in your cover letter that you are targeting this particular call.
About The Editor's Priorities for the Year
The Editor's Priorities for the Year are a new way of publishing 'virtual' special issues, without holding multiple articles back for simultaneous publication. Instead, articles that are accepted under a Call for Articles will be published as soon as they are ready. Each special issue will then be brought together with an editorial at its close, which will highlight each article and provide a synthesis of the learnings and insight gained from the issue as a whole.
The Editor's Priorities for 2025 are Artificial Intelligence in Primary Care and Social Care. Visit the Social Care Call for Articles page.
You can also access our existing Special Issues via the Past Research Calls page.