• Zdeslav Strika, Karlo Petkovic, Robert Likic, and Ronald Batenburg.
• University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Salata 3, Zagreb 10000, Croatia.
• Postgrad Med J. 2024 Sep 26.

Abstract"Medical deserts" are areas with low healthcare service levels, challenging the access, quality, and sustainability of care. This qualitative narrative review examines how artificial intelligence (AI), particularly large language models (LLMs), can address these challenges by integrating with e-Health and the Internet of Medical Things to enhance services in under-resourced areas. It explores AI-driven telehealth platforms that overcome language and cultural barriers, increasing accessibility. The utility of LLMs in providing diagnostic assistance where specialist deficits exist is highlighted, demonstrating AI's role in supplementing medical expertise and improving outcomes. Additionally, the development of AI chatbots offers preliminary medical advice, serving as initial contact points in remote areas. The review also discusses AI's role in enhancing medical education and training, supporting the professional development of healthcare workers in these regions. It assesses AI's strategic use in data analysis for effective resource allocation, identifying healthcare provision gaps. AI, especially LLMs, is seen as a promising solution for bridging healthcare gaps in "medical deserts," improving service accessibility, quality, and distribution. However, continued research and development are essential to fully realize AI's potential in addressing the challenges of medical deserts.© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

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