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. 2023 Sep;16(3):303-320.
doi: 10.1111/jebm.12547. Epub 2023 Sep 10.

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

K M Saif-Ur-Rahman  1   2   3 , Md Shariful Islam  4 , Joan Alaboson  5 , Oluwadara Ola  6 , Imran Hasan  7 , Nazmul Islam  8 , Shristi Mainali  9 , Tina Martina  10 , Eva Silenga  11 , Mubita Muyangana  12 , Taufique Joarder  13
Affiliations

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

K M Saif-Ur-Rahman et al. J Evid Based Med. 2023 Sep.

Abstract

Aim: Technology 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.

Methods: Three 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.

Results: A 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.

Conclusion: AI 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.

Keywords: LMICs; artificial intelligence; digital health; primary health care.

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References

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