Celebrating GP care in the digital age

Despite the emergence of AI and digital platforms, the ‘enduring and vital relationships’ between patients and GPs remain at the heart of general practice, says RACGP President Dr Michael Wright.
 
On World Family Doctor Day, celebrated on 19 May, the RACGP is calling for a future in which technology strengthens, rather than replaces, person-centred and holistic care, with GPs remaining ‘the cornerstone’ of healthcare.
 
Dr Wright’s call reflects the theme of this year’s World Family Doctor Day – ‘compassionate care in a digital world’.
 
World Family Doctor Day is a global celebration of GPs, held annually since 2011 by the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA).
 
WONCA said this year’s focus recognises family doctors have to navigate technology’s increasing impact on healthcare, while ‘bringing their values of compassion, continuity and person-centred care into the digital age’.
 
Amid this digital evolution of healthcare, policymakers, developers, and providers must ensure patients benefit from these innovations, said Dr Wright. 
 
‘Technology has enormous potential to enhance general practice – supporting diagnosis, improving access, and reducing administrative burden,’ he said. 
 
‘But it must be implemented thoughtfully. Digital tools should strengthen general practice and the GP–patient relationship, not fragment it. Patients must always come first.
 
‘The RACGP is committed to holistic, person-centred care that considers the physical, mental, social, and cultural needs of every patient.’  
 
Dr Wright added that ensuring the cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in any digital health innovation is vital.
 
‘Any digital health transformation must be guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, adhere to Indigenous data governance and sovereignty principles and benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,’ he said.  
 
‘Rapid or poorly integrated digital change risks widening existing health inequities.
 
‘We must ensure innovation does not compromise communities’ access to holistic, culturally safe care.’ 
 
Dr Wright said World Family Doctor Day is a reminder that although technology is transforming healthcare, ‘the heart of general practice will always be the connection between a GP and their patient’.
 
‘The relationships between patients and their GPs are the cornerstone of effective healthcare, built over time through continuity of care, shared understanding, and respect,’ he said. 
 
‘Healthcare is not just data – it’s deeply human and built on trust.’ 
 
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