Keywords: - Artificial Intelligence (AI) - Primary Care - Family Physicians - Kosovo - Diagnostic Accuracy - Chronic Disease Management - Triage - Administrative Support - Ethical Considerations - Data Privacy - Algorithmic Bias - Clinical Decision-Making - Healthcare Policy

Introduction:

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into primary healthcare has the potential to transform service delivery, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and improve operational efficiency—particularly in resource-constrained settings like Kosovo. This study explores the perspectives of family physicians regarding AI’s role in primary care, focusing on perceived benefits, anticipated challenges, and ethical considerations.

Method:

A qualitative design was employed, using semi-structured interviews with approximately 70 family physicians across diverse regions and practice settings. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically with NVivo software to identify recurring patterns and insights.

Results:

Interviews with family physicians in Kosovo revealed cautious optimism about the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into primary care. Participants consistently highlighted AI’s potential to improve diagnostic accuracy, support early detection of chronic diseases, and reduce administrative burdens, thereby allowing more time for patient‑centered care.
Key challenges included fragmented health data systems, limited infrastructure, and insufficient training.
Ethical concerns—particularly regarding data privacy, algorithmic bias, and clinical autonomy—were consistently raised.
Overall, physicians viewed AI as a supportive tool that could enhance patient outcomes if implemented responsibly, with adequate investment in digital infrastructure, clinician readiness, and ethical governance.

Conclusions:

While recognizing its potential to improve efficiency and patient outcomes, they stressed the importance of clinician readiness, ethical governance, and infrastructural investment. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare administrators seeking to responsibly integrate AI into Kosovo’s evolving healthcare system.
By centering the voices of frontline practitioners, it offers a roadmap for responsible and effective AI implementation that keeps patient care at the heart of innovation.