Algorithms can’t replace care and compassion
In a bid to save money, an academic has suggested that the Welsh NHS do away with GPs and use computers instead. Here, Mark Smith speaks to leading doctors about why they feel this is such a ridiculous idea
Doctors across Wales have reacted with anger at claims by an academic that GPs are “obsolete” and should be replaced by computers.
Gerry Holtham, Hodge professor of regional economy at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said computers would be able to diagnose 98% of ailments better than GPs.
But the GP community, along with Health Minister Vaughan Gething, has described his statement as “laughable” and “plain wrong”.
Mr Holtham was speaking at a seminar in London which was tasked with creating radical ideas for fixing the Welsh economy.
He said: “Health is 50% of the Welsh budget and given the demographic trends and the way things are going, if you remain with producer capture it’s going to be 60% and you won’t be able to do anything.
“I think we’ve got to say, ‘look, we don’t need GPs. GPs are obsolete’. A computer program, it’s been proven, will diagnose 98% of ailments better than a GP because, a) it’s up to date and b) it doesn’t forget anything.
“So I would employ nurses in health centres, with a computer program and a phone line to a specialist.”
Following his controversial comments, Dr Rebecca Payne, chairwoman of the Royal College of GPs in Wales, has challenged Mr Holtham to a debate on the subject.
She said: “People are more complex than a set of algorithms. As GPs we seek to understand patients’ priorities and values, customising treatments to allow them to live the lives they want to.
“A mum bringing a child back and forth with repeated viral infections may actually be suffering from post natal depression; a women asking for a sick note for stress, because her husband is dying, and in the consultation you realise he has uncontrolled symptoms and needs a visit; the teenager with acne who wants to look good for her school prom.
“These are the situations when algorithms aren’t what’s needed, compassionate and personalised care is.
“But we welcome where tech can play a role, and look forward to moving to electronic prescribing one day, keen to explore the use of apps and internet systems to front our appointment systems and get patients to the right person first time.”
Health Secretary Vaughan Gething echoed Dr Payne’s views and added: “Gerry Holtham is regularly interesting, challenging and worth listening to. However he is just plain wrong here.
“So much of healthcare is more than just an equation to produce the right answer. GPs are and will remain hugely valued. I won’t be taking Gerry’s advice on this.”
BMA Cymru’s Dr Charlotte Jones was similarly appalled by Mr Holtham’s comments.
he said: “GPs are the backbone of the NHS and are still considered to be very much part of the community throughout many parts of Wales.
“Indeed, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales’ most recent annual report states that patients value the care given to them by GPs.
“But as with any backbone, if you apply too much pressure it will break - and GPs are under immense pressure.
“The Welsh Government recognises this and is working to rectify it via their Train Work Live campaign – a scheme that I have welcomed in the past as a small part of a big jigsaw.
“I am pleased to see that the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services agrees that the comments regarding GPs in the article are wrong.
“Mr Gething tweeted that ‘so much of healthcare is more than just an equation to provide the right answer.’ I couldn’t have put it better myself and my colleagues and I continue to value his support.
“GPs are valued by their patients, valued by the Welsh Government and are valued by the profession.”