Assessing the potential utility of large language models for assisting community health workers: protocol for a prospective, observational study in Rwanda.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Community health workers (CHWs) are critical to healthcare delivery in low-resource settings but often lack formal clinical training, limiting their decision-making. Large language models (LLMs) could provide real-time, context-specific support to improve referrals and management plans. This study aims to evaluate the potential utility of LLMs in assisting CHW decision-making in Rwanda.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, observational study conducted in Nyabihu and Musanze districts, Rwanda. Audio recordings of CHW-patient consultations will be transcribed and analysed by an LLM to generate referral decisions, differential diagnoses and management plans. These outputs, alongside CHW decisions, will be evaluated against a clinical expert panel's consensu

SUBMITTER: Menon V 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12519661 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature