Advancing Rural Healthcare in Asia: A Scoping Review on the Application and Implementation of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a transformative tool in healthcare, with applications ranging from diagnostics to resource management. Despite its potential to revolutionize rural healthcare by improving access, quality, and efficiency, significant challenges remain in its implementation in these underserved areas. This scoping review aims to explore the applications, benefits, and challenges of AI in rural healthcare settings within the Asia region and to identify research gaps for future study. Methods: The review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s five-stage framework and adhered to the PRISMA-ScR. Relevant studies were identified through database searches (Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest) focusing on application or implementation of AI in rural healthcare settings in Asian countries. Articles published between 2020 and 2024 were included, with a systematic selection process ensuring relevance and quality. Results: A total of fourteen studies conducted in Asia were included. The studies primarily examined AI application such as remote patient monitoring, diagnostic support, telehealth enhancements, and disease surveillance. Overall, AI demonstrated potential in improving healthcare access, diagnostic capabilities, and patient outcomes. However, challenges including data limitations, ethical concerns, infrastructure constraints, high costs, and inadequate workforce training were identified as barriers to successful implementation. Discussion: AI offers significant opportunities to address healthcare disparities in rural areas, but its potential is hindered by persistent challenges. The findings highlight the need for robust digital infrastructure, ethical frameworks, cost-effective solutions, and capacity-building initiatives. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders are crucial to overcoming these barriers and ensuring equitable healthcare delivery. Conclusion: AI holds significant promise for strengthening rural healthcare systems in Asia. Addressing infrastructural, ethical, and capacity-related barriers through context-specific and collaborative approaches is essential to support equitable and sustainable AI implementation in rural healthcare settings.