A new artificial intelligence (AI) computer programme can generate doctors' notes so well that two physicians couldn't tell the difference, according to a study, that may soon open the door for AI to support health care workers with groundbreaking efficiencies.

In this proof-of-concept study, physicians reviewed patient notes -- some written by actual medical doctors while others were created by the new AI programme -- and the physicians identified the correct author only 49 per cent of the time.