In the age of AI, where patients and digital agents are generating health information, the need for a trusted and authoritative source like the Australian Medicines Handbook (AMH) has never been more critical. The AI-era is here, and it's transforming the way we access healthcare information.
The Rise of AI-Generated Health Advice
A 2024 Australian survey published in the MJA found that 9.9% of adults had used ChatGPT for health information in the preceding six months, and 61% had asked at least one high-risk question that typically requires clinical advice. OpenAI's report in January 2026 revealed over 40 million daily health-related searches on ChatGPT. AI-generated health advice is already influencing consultations, whether GPs invite it or not, and it's creeping into clinical workflows with ambient scribes and 'copilots' that can draft management plans.
The Upside and Downside of AI
The upside is clear: less administrative time and better documentation within the medical record. However, the downside is that these tools can produce confident but incorrect outputs and encourage automation bias, where we trust the output due to its perceived accuracy. This is where medicines information becomes a critical safety asset.
The Role of Medicines Information in Safety
When decisions involve polypharmacy, drug interactions, renal function dose adjustments, pregnancy, or lactation, prescribers need a reliable reference that can be quickly and consistently interrogated. For many GPs, the AMH serves as a single, practical medicines reference for point-of-care use, with regular updates based on Australian expertise.
Case Study: The Unknown AI Interaction
Consider the case of Maria, a 76-year-old patient with a complex medical history. Her medication list includes apixaban, sotalol, perindopril, furosemide, metformin, and sertraline, as well as over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen, 'natural' sleep tablets, fish oil, and magnesium. When she presents with dysuria and urgency, a urine dipstick confirms a likely urinary tract infection (UTI).
Maria shows her phone to her GP, which suggests trimethoprim as part of an AI-generated response from a Google search. However, a quick AMH check reveals that trimethoprim can materially increase the risk of hyperkalaemia, especially in patients on ACE inhibitors and spironolactone, and with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk further increases with regular self-initiated NSAID use. The GP, recognizing this, chose an appropriate alternative antibiotic and ordered a urine culture, potassium, and renal function check, and reconciled medicines.
The Importance of a 30-Second Prescribing Pause
This case highlights the importance of a 30-second prescribing pause. By quickly consulting the AMH, the GP was able to avoid a potentially harmful medication interaction. This is a practical habit that can improve prescribing quality and prevent medication harm, which is often predictable and preventable.
The Default Question-Set Before Prescribing
Consider making the following a default question-set before prescribing:
- Dose and Patient Factors: renal/hepatic impairment, age, frailty, weight
- Contraindications/Cautions: what would make this unsafe today?
- Interactions: prescribed + OTC + complementary
- Monitoring: what to check and when
- Patient Advice: messages that prevent avoidable harm
AI can help draft, summarize, and produce this checklist in consultation notes, but it cannot assume clinical accountability. In an era where answers are abundant, the safety edge comes from using a trusted medicines reference like the AMH consistently and making verification a routine practice.
The Role of the RACGP in Improving GP Training
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) can play a crucial role in improving the experience of GPs in training. The poll results indicate that better employment conditions while training (33%), increasing the attractiveness and longevity of a general practice career (66%), and more wellbeing supports (0%) are the top priorities. Additionally, smoother transitions from registrar to New Fellow (0%) and clear and consistent communications around training policies (0%) are essential.
Conclusion
In the AI-era, the need for a trusted and authoritative source like the AMH is more critical than ever. By embracing a practical habit like the 30-second prescribing pause and using a trusted medicines reference consistently, we can improve prescribing quality and patient safety. The RACGP has a vital role in supporting GPs in training and ensuring that the healthcare system is equipped to handle the challenges and opportunities of the AI-era.
