Stakeholder-centric participation in large language models enhanced health systems

Abstract

Large language models (LLMs) are transforming healthcare by advancing clinical decision support, patient care, and administrative efficiency. However, effectively and sustainably integrating LLMs into healthcare systems requires addressing participatory gaps that may hinder alignment with stakeholders’ practical and ethical needs. This paper explores how participatory methods can be applied throughout the development lifecycle of LLM-enhanced health systems (LLMHS), arguing that: (1) participatory approaches are critical for engaging stakeholders in LLMHS development, and (2) LLM techniques can create novel participatory opportunities that reinforce stakeholder engagement while driving technical innovation in LLMHS. This dual perspective highlights the potential of LLMHS to align technical sophistication with real-world healthcare demands, paving the way for next-generation health systems.