Artificial intelligence and digital health in improving primary health care service delivery in LMICs: A systematic review

Abstract

AimTechnology including artificial intelligence (AI) may play a key role to strengthen primary health care services in resource‐poor settings. This systematic review aims to explore the evidence on the use of AI and digital health in improving primary health care service delivery.MethodsThree electronic databases were searched using a comprehensive search strategy without providing any restriction in June 2023. Retrieved articles were screened independently using the “Rayyan” software. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently by two review authors. A narrative synthesis of the included interventions was conducted.ResultsA total of 4596 articles were screened, and finally, 48 articles were included from 21 different countries published between 2013 and 2021. The main focus of the included studies was noncommunicable diseases (n = 15), maternal and child health care (n = 11), primary care (n = 8), infectious diseases including tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV (n = 7), and mental health (n = 6). Included studies considered interventions using AI, and digital health of which mobile‐phone‐based interventions were prominent. m‐health interventions were well adopted and easy to use and improved the record‐keeping, service deliver, and patient satisfaction.ConclusionAI and the application of digital technologies improve primary health care service delivery in resource‐poor settings in various ways. However, in most of the cases, the application of AI and digital health is implemented through m‐health. There is a great scope to conduct further research exploring the interventions on a large scale.

The potential role of artificial intelligence in the clinical management of Hansen’s disease (leprosy)

“…AI can improve telemedicine through advanced diagnostics, real-time monitoring, and personalized care. It automates administrative tasks, ensures data accuracy, and bridges language barriers, particularly useful in regions with limited access to healthcare (20, [23][24][25][26].…”

The Potential Role of AI in Addressing Challenges in the Clinical Management of Hansen's Disease

“…It automates administrative tasks, ensures data accuracy, and bridges language gaps, being especially useful in regions with limited healthcare access. 22,27,[31][32][33] During teleconsultations, AI supports healthcare providers with cutting-edge diagnostics. For example, AI algorithms analyze medical images in real time.…”

Instrumentos de rastreio de transtornos mentais na atenção primária: protocolo de revisão de escopo

“…Essa distinção entre pessoas com indicação de cuidados em nível primário e aqueles que necessitam de cuidados em outros níveis de atenção enriquece a utilidade dos instrumentos de rastreios (8) . Desta forma, pode-se dizer que os instrumentos de rastreio em saúde mental, quando utilizados em serviços da ABS, demonstram aumento nos indicadores de pessoas com problemas de saúde mental (9) .…”