Digital tools, such as online consultations, AI-driven assistants, remote monitoring, and automation, are now central to how general practice operates. While these innovations bring efficiency and expanded access, they also introduce new patient safety risks.

A major recent review of patient safety across England highlights technology, data systems and digital transformation as key risk areas. Meanwhile, guidance within NHS England’s Good Practice Guidelines for GP digital services emphasises that primary care IT systems should automatically flag potential safety issues, such as missed follow-ups, delayed diagnoses, safeguarding concerns, and support clinical decision-making rather than simply recording it.

To help practices manage these risks, NHS England’s Digital Clinical Safety Assurance framework requires that digital health tools comply with standards such as DCB0129 (for IT manufacturers) and DCB0160 (for deployment in care settings). Clinical Safety Officers (CSOs) must oversee hazard assessments, maintain a hazard log, and document mitigation strategies.  

Actionable priorities for practices:

•  Hold risk workshops before introducing or updating digital tools, engaging clinicians, IT leads, data governance teams, and patient safety officers.
• Confirm that suppliers can demonstrate compliance with safety lifecycles, supported by appropriate documentation and hazard logs.
•  Maintain strong information governance and cybersecurity protocols, with regular staff training and permission reviews.
• Audit and learn from near misses and incidents, embedding findings into improvement plans.
• Continue to offer blended access models, ensuring that patients who struggle with digital tools can still use phone or face-to-face routes.

Digital innovation holds great promise for modernising primary care, but its success depends on embedding safety at every stage of design, deployment, and operation. These themes will be explored in more depth at Best Practice London 2026, where sessions on digital transformation, clinical governance, and safer technology adoption will offer practical guidance on managing risk while driving innovation.