AI is widely used in business and society, and has the potential to transform the healthcare system at a national level. Strengthening a health system, states USAID (United States Agency for International Development), comprises strategies, responses and activities to improve a country’s health system performance. The health system involves all people, institutions, resources and activities whose primary purpose is to “promote, restore and maintain health”.
When a country’s health system is strong, people have robust access to healthcare due to a more optimum distribution of resources, from diagnosis to treatment. Ultimately, a healthier population promotes economic growth for the country as a whole.
The EPCON AI engine helps to strengthen healthcare systems. How does it do so?
Predictive modelling
High disease burden areas, or hotspots, are visualised at a community level via EPCON’s predictive modelling engine. These priority areas, where the risk of disease is relatively high and the availability of resources is relatively low, are easily visualised via high-resolution maps. Once this is done, multiple health professionals, from policy makers with a nation-wide lens to community workers on the ground, can set up appropriate interventions. Predictive modelling not only provides a clear picture of present necessities but also helps healthcare workers plan for the future.
Predictive modelling also improves resource allocation, such as pharmacy stock and diagnostic tools. In low and middle income countries, these resources are frequently concentrated in more urban settings. Rural dwellers run the risk of disease progression if resources are not distributed optimally.
Runs in real time
EPCON’s platform runs in real time: changes reflect immediately on the platform. Due to inbuilt machine learning capacities, the model continuously learns, allowing professionals to assess whether things are moving in the right directions or some localities need more attention.
Integrated for better access
The EPCON platform can be integrated with the existing healthcare system and capacities, including diagnostic services, laboratory networks, drug supply chains, manpower availability and distribution of healthcare services. The idea is to bring everything together, as all the components of a healthcare system have an effect on each other. Healthcare workers in different parts of the healthcare chain need to have access to what’s happening in other areas to strengthen healthcare systems.
Multiple applications
Although EPCON’s platform is frequently used for Tuberculosis (TB) surveillance and detection, there are multiple potential applications, from infectious illnesses to malnutrition. Malnutrition can have a profound effect on disease progression, including TB, and the relative strength of a country’s healthcare system - and high-risk areas can be targeted for timeous intervention.
Rich visualisation tools
Data is displayed via maps and dashboards. This visual representation allows for easy monitoring and evaluation of the status quo. Such constantly-updating digital dashboards consist of simple tables and graphs connected to local information systems, allowing healthcare workers constant updates.
To strengthen a country’s health system, action is required on multiple fronts. EPCON’s AI platform can play a vital role in achieving this goal.