Using artificial intelligence (CognoSpeakTM) in memory assessments: a GP interview study

Background: The memory assessment pathway for people with subjective memory deficits (dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and other diagnoses) is under huge strain and new diagnostic technologies have been identified as a high priority for research.

Aim: To investigate the views of GPs on the memory assessment pathway, and on how an artificial intelligence tool (CognoSpeakTM) could be implemented.

Design & setting: Qualitative interview study in a large region of the NHS (South Yorkshire).

Method Recruitment of 18 GPs using convenience sampling to undertake semi-structured interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis (demographic data was monitored to ensure diversity).

Results: GPs think that the memory assessment pathway has system-wide problems, and that GPs are overworked yet underutilised. They highlighted assessment/referral dilemmas, and the perspectives of patients and families. When asked about implementation of CognoSpeakTM they gave their thoughts on the optimal sites of implementation, they highlighted barriers/ difficulties, as well as the opportunities/benefits, and they made proposals for the future development of CognoSpeakTM.

Conclusion: GPs thought effective implementation of CognoSpeakTM could save time, expedite diagnosis, free-up much needed capacity, and improve the longitudinal assessment of people with mild cognitive impairment. A major concern amongst GPs was the potential for unintended consequences such as creating additional unfunded work, and exacerbating difficulties at the intersections between subjective memory deficits and other factors such as low mood, alcohol excess, learning difficulties, language and culture. They were concerned about poor access to technology amongst old and economically deprived people.