Improving rural medication safety with AI: a scoping review
Abstract
Introduction: Medication errors (MEs) represent a significant threat to global healthcare systems, contributing to patient harm. Introducing artificial intelligence (AI) in rural healthcare enhances patient safety. The aim is to explore the applications and effectiveness of AI technologies in enhancing patient safety and reducing medication errors in rural health settings. Methods: A scoping review was conducted through a systematic literature search spanning 2012 to 2025 across multiple databases, including EBSCohost, Emcare (Ovid), MEDLINE, and the ProQuest Consumer Health Database. Twelve primary studies from nine different nations were examined. Data were analysed thematically to obtain insights on AI interventions across the medication process. Results: AI technologies have been integrated into every stage of medication management, right from prescribing and dispensing to administration and post-administration monitoring. Four key themes came to light: (1) the various types of AI being utilised (like Clinical Decision Support Systems, Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, and smart pumps); (2) the phases of the medication process that are affected; (3) how effective these technologies are in minimising errors and boosting workflow safety; and (4) rural-specific challenges including infrastructure, staff training, system integration, and alert fatigue. Several studies have demonstrated that machine learning-based surveillance improves incident detection and reduces prescribing and transcription errors by an impressive 34% to 80%. Barriers included lack of governance frameworks, financial limitations, and clinician resistance, which still present major obstacles. Conclusion: In rural healthcare, AI technologies hold great potential for enhancing pharmaceutical safety. They can allow data-driven monitoring, automate processes, and offer clinical decision assistance.
