Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41935295›Full record

ArticleBMC health services research2026

Mapping the landscape of AI in healthcare in Kazakhstan: a scoping review of readiness, development, and adoption.

Shnara Svetlanova, Indira Karibayeva, Sholpan Aliyeva, Valikhan Akhmetov, Bekdaulet Akimniyazova, Nazgul Shubatkaliyeva, Nadira Aitambayeva, Laila Nazarova, Nazerke Narymbayeva, Ainur Qumar

Abstract readScoping Review
In one paragraph

Article in BMC health services research, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

10 authors.

Shnara SvetlanovaDepartment of Health Policy and Management, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan. svetlanova.sh@kaznmu.kz.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0002-4546-1452
Indira KaribayevaDepartment of Health Policy and Community Health, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, USA.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1796-2604
Sholpan AliyevaNational Hospital of the Medical Center of the Presidential Administration, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9717-2807
Valikhan AkhmetovKazakhstan Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4462-4504
Bekdaulet AkimniyazovaDepartment of Health Policy and Management, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4906-4959
Nazgul ShubatkaliyevaErensau Hospital, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0008-4184-0504
Nadira AitambayevaKazakhstan Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5869-1789
Laila NazarovaKazakhstan Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0009-0001-2197-3253
Nazerke NarymbayevaKazakhstan Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2060-8158
Ainur QumarDepartment of Health Policy and Management, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0457-7205

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundThe rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies has created new opportunities for improving healthcare systems worldwide. In Kazakhstan, national digitalization initiatives have supported the introduction of electronic health records and medical information systems; however, the level of AI readiness, development, and real-world implementation in healthcare remains insufficiently explored.

objectiveThis study aimed to synthesize current evidence on the readiness, development, and implementation of AI and ML technologies in the healthcare sector of Kazakhstan.

methodsA scoping review was conducted following the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The protocol of this scoping review was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2020 and 2025. Inclusion criteria covered empirical studies, policy analyses, and mixed-methods research focusing on AI in Kazakhstan’s healthcare context. Data were extracted using a standardized template and synthesized across three domains: AI readiness, AI development, and AI implementation.

resultsA total of ten studies were included in the final synthesis. Evidence of AI readiness was mainly reported at the educational, professional, regulatory, and system levels, with limited workforce preparedness, insufficient formal training, and gaps in data protection and ethical regulation. AI development was primarily concentrated on technical model creation, including deep learning for medical imaging and automated laboratory interpretation, but often lacked clinical validation. Real-world AI implementation was reported in a small number of clinical settings, particularly in rehabilitation and laboratory medicine, where AI tools were reported to improve workflow efficiency, diagnostic support, and documentation processes.

conclusionsThe Kazakhstan AI/ML healthcare literature is emerging and heterogeneous. While technical development and foundational digital infrastructure are advancing, evidence of routine clinical implementation remains limited, and readiness gaps persist in training, governance, interoperability, and regulatory oversight. Future research should prioritize implementation-focused evaluations, clinical validation, and governance models to support safe adoption across healthcare settings. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Indexed as

Artificial IntelligenceDelivery of Health CareDigital HealthElectronic Health RecordsHumansKazakhstanMachine LearningAI implementationAI readinessArtificial intelligenceDigital healthHealthcareKazakhstanMachine learningScoping review

Identifiers

PMID41935295
PMCPMC13130796

What Socratic holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the Socratic graph.