More people using AI to self-diagnose; How GPs are using AI tools; New vaccination pilot

More people using AI to self-diagnose health issues 

Research by Confused.com Life Insurance has found that 3 in 10 people in Britain are now self-diagnosing health issues with AI, with the same amount likely to try it in future. The research found people are turning to tools like ChatGPT to expand their health knowledge and self-diagnose, and highlights their top queries and whether the responses helped. 

• Symptom checks top the list, with almost 6 in 10 of people in the UK using AI to search for any physical or mental effects they are feeling. 
• Side effects are searched for by 5 in 10 people
• Nearly 4 in 10 research wellbeing techniques in diet and fitness. 
• 3 in 10 search for treatment options such as medication and surgery.
• 2 in 10 also seek out mental health support in the form of therapy and coping strategies. 

Pilot will help families facing barriers to vaccines 

A new £2million pilot will provide a vital safety net for families who might otherwise miss out on getting their children vaccinated. The government says the pilot aims to support families who face barriers, including those not signed up with a GP or who struggle with travel costs. Juggling childcare and language barriers were also identified as possible issues. By offering vaccinations during routine health visits, the pilot aims to remove these obstacles and ensure more children can access life-saving protection. The 12 vaccination pilot schemes will roll out from mid-January across five regions of England – London, the Midlands, North East and Yorkshire, North West and South West. Health visitors on the pilot will get extra training to tackle tricky conversations with worried parents - including those who have doubts about vaccination – and to give vaccinations safely.

The government is also investing in better digital services to help families track their child’s health and vaccinations. Through the new NHS App, parents will be able to monitor their children’s health using My Children – a digital alternative to the Red Book. 

Read more about the pilot on the GOV.UK website here.

Updated guidance for events for healthcare professionals

PIF member The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has published a revised version of its guidance for scientific conferences and events in the UK. This revision reflects feedback from members and organisations and provides better clarity to support high-quality, Code-compliant congresses and events for audiences of healthcare professionals. 

The guide is tailored for pharmaceutical industry personnel, patient organisations and congress organisers. It covers the general principles and some specific scenarios, such as the types of attendees, the nature of the activities and materials, the venue and hospitality, considerations for sponsorships and social media. The guidance includes a section on patient organisations as exhibitors and highlights a handbook produced by the ABPI and PIF to support pharmaceutical companies, patients and patient organisations to work together successfully.

Read the updated events' guidance on the ABPI website here.

Download the PIF and ABPI partnership working handbook here.

Report looks at how GPs are using AI 

A new report, co-authored by The Nuffield Trust and the Royal College of General Practitioners, explores the number of GPs in the UK using AI and what they are using the tools for. A survey for the report found:

• More than 1 in 4 GPs reported using AI tools in their clinical practice.
• The majority of GPs are using AI tools for clinical documentation and note taking.

Of the GPs who said they worked in more deprived areas, just over 1 in 4 said they used AI tools, compared to 1 in 3 of GPs who said they worked in more affluent areas.

Nuffield Trust director of research and policy and practising GP Dr Becks Fisher said: "The government is pinning its hopes on the potential of AI to transform the NHS but there is a huge chasm between policy ambitions and the current disorganised reality of how AI is being rolled out and used in general practice."

Read the full report via The Nuffield Trust website here.

New patient information leaflet on preterm labour

The Scottish Perinatal Network has published a new resource providing information and advice about the signs of preterm labour. The patient information leaflet explains the possible signs of preterm labour and why it is important to get help as quickly as possible. For those experiencing any of the signs detailed in the leaflet, they are advised to call the 24/7 midwife triage straight away. 

Find the new leaflet via the Scottish Perinatal Network website here.

National survey into maternity care

The results from the Care Quality Commission's annual national maternity survey have been published. More than 16,750 women and people who used NHS maternity services in 2025 shared their experience of care. The findings reveal several areas where people are reporting a better experience – particularly in relation to communication with staff and mental health support. However, issues around access to advice and support, feeling listened to when they had concerns, and being left alone at a time when it worried them continue to have a negative impact. Key findings include: 

• 9 in 10 of those surveyed said they were "always" spoken to in a way they could understand by staff providing antenatal care 
• More than 8 in 10 said that they were "always" given enough time to ask questions or discuss their pregnancy during antenatal check-ups.
• More than 7 in 10 said that they were "always" involved in decisions about their care during labour and birth.
• More than 1 in 10 felt they were not given appropriate advice and support when they contacted a midwife or the hospital at the start of their labour.
• Nearly 2 in 10 reported feeling they were not taken seriously if they raised a concern during their labour and birth.

Read more about the survey results on the CQC website here.

Listen: How lived experience shaped research study

The latest episode of a podcast series which shines a light on health research explores the power of patient voices. The Research Room podcast was launched by the York Trials Unit (YTU) at the University of York. In the most recent podcast, the hosts learn more about the BioDrive AFS trial, a major trial investigating the best way to prevent and detect fungal infection in patients with acute leukaemia. Patient Advisory Group members Kate and Mary share their journeys from diagnosis to becoming research partners, proving that patient voices are not just helpful: they are essential. 

Find out more about getting involved in research at the University of York here.  

Listen to The Research Room podcasts here.

Research centre will 'transform' clinical trials

A new centre of excellence aims to transform the trial of new medicines for improved patient care. The Medical Research Council Centre of Research Excellence in Clinical Trial Innovation, in partnership with the National Institute for Health and Care Research, will receive up to £50million. The centre plans to develop pioneering new ways to speed up the clinical trial design and delivery process and drive improvements in treatment and recovery. Key areas of focus at the new centre will include developing new ways to test multiple drugs in multiple diseases simultaneously. It will also use clinical trials to identify the minimum intensity such as duration, frequency, or dose required for a drug to be effective. 

Read more about the new centre on the UK Research and Innovation website here.