A blueprint for large language model-augmented telehealth for HIV mitigation in Indonesia: A scoping review of a novel therapeutic modality.

Abstract

Background: The HIV epidemic in Indonesia is one of the fastest growing in Southeast Asia and is characterised by a number of geographic and sociocultural challenges. Can large language models (LLMs) be integrated with telehealth (TH) to address cost and quality of care? Methods: A literature review was performed using the PRISMA-ScR (2018) guidelines between Jan 2017 and June 2024 using the PubMed, ArXiv and semantic scholar databases. Results: Of the 694 records identified, 12 studies met the inclusion criteria. Although the role of eHealth interventions as well as telehealth in HIV management appears well established, there is a significant literature gap on the integration of telehealth and LLM technology. To address this, we provide a blueprint for the safe and ethical integration of LLM-TH into triage, history taking, patient education highlighting opportunities for reduced consultation time and improved quality of care. Conclusions: Variable access to mobile technology and the need for empirical validation stand out as limitations for LLM-TH. However, we argue that the current evidence base suggests the benefits far outweigh the challenges in applying LLM-TH for HIV care in Indonesia. We also argue this novel therapeutic modality is broadly applicable to the subacute general practice setting.